Top 10 Nursing Schools in Arkansas (2026 Rankings)
Last updated: April 2026 · Program details and tuition rates are subject to change.
Arkansas's nursing education landscape has been on an impressive upward trajectory. Statewide NCLEX pass rates have climbed from 78.67% in 2021 to 91.05% in 2024, reflecting significant improvements in program quality across the state.
The average RN salary in Arkansas is approximately $63,690 per year, with the cost of living significantly lower than the national average — meaning your dollar goes further here. Arkansas is also an NLC compact state.
$63,690
Avg. RN Salary/year
91.05%
Statewide NCLEX pass rate (2024)
NLC
Compact state
Top Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas State University–Beebe
Beebe, AR · Public
Arkansas State University–Beebe has earned the #1 spot with a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate — the highest in the state. While the program is smaller, this perfect record demonstrates exceptional quality of instruction and student preparation. The small cohort size (36 students over 3 years) means more one-on-one attention from faculty.
- 100% NCLEX pass rate (3-year average)
- Small cohort: 36 students over 3 years
- Exceptional one-on-one faculty attention
Arkansas Northeastern College
Blytheville, AR · Public
Arkansas Northeastern College maintains an impressive 95.6% NCLEX pass rate over five years of data — a remarkable achievement that speaks to program consistency. Located in northeast Arkansas, ANC's nursing program provides excellent preparation at community college tuition rates, with clinical placements in the Delta region's healthcare facilities.
- 95.6% NCLEX pass rate (5-year average)
- 137 students over 5 years — consistent results
- Community college tuition rates
National Park College
Hot Springs, AR · Public
National Park College combines strong NCLEX outcomes with larger cohort sizes, making it one of the most productive nursing programs in the state. With pass rates consistently between 89.3% and 98.1%, NPC offers a reliable path to licensure. Partnerships with four-year universities make the BSN transition seamless.
- 247 students over reporting period
- NCLEX rates: 89.3%–98.1% range
- LPN-to-RN bridge available
- Clear BSN transfer pathway
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR · Public · CCNE
Arkansas Tech University's BSN program stands out for its flexible delivery and multiple entry pathways, accommodating high school graduates, LPNs, and RNs through hybrid and online learning options. With an NCLEX pass rate that peaked at 95.8% in 2023, ATU provides a comprehensive and flexible bachelor's-level nursing education.
- Multiple entry pathways: traditional, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Hybrid and online delivery options
- NCLEX pass rate: 95.8% (2023)
- Clinical experience in rural and regional settings
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Little Rock, AR · Public · CCNE
UAMS is the state's premier academic medical center and home to the College of Nursing — the most comprehensive nursing program in Arkansas. UAMS offers the full spectrum from BSN through PhD, including multiple nurse practitioner specializations and a nurse anesthesia program. Students have direct access to UAMS Medical Center, a Level I trauma center.
- State's premier academic medical center
- Level I trauma center clinical access
- Nurse anesthesia program available
- Full BSN-to-PhD pathway
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, AR · Public
The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers a BSN program with both prelicensure and RN-to-BSN tracks. The program has achieved NCLEX pass rates as high as 100% in some reporting years. UAM's nursing program serves southeast Arkansas and emphasizes rural health nursing in medically underserved communities.
- Up to 100% NCLEX pass rate in some years
- Rural health nursing emphasis
- Serves medically underserved southeast Arkansas
- RN-to-BSN track for working nurses
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)
Bentonville, AR · Public
NWACC serves one of Arkansas's fastest-growing regions and produces a steady stream of qualified nurses for the northwest Arkansas healthcare market. The ADN program offers both traditional and accelerated tracks. Located in the Bentonville/Fayetteville metro area, graduates have access to a strong job market anchored by major health systems.
- Located in Arkansas's fastest-growing region
- Traditional and accelerated ADN tracks
- Strong northwest Arkansas job market access
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR · Public · CCNE
Henderson State University's School of Nursing offers a BSN program serving south-central Arkansas. The program is known for its close-knit community, strong faculty mentorship, and excellent clinical placement partnerships. Henderson has invested in updated simulation labs and technology to complement hands-on clinical training.
- Strong faculty mentorship culture
- Updated simulation labs
- Excellent clinical placement partnerships
University of Central Arkansas (UCA)
Conway, AR · Public · CCNE
UCA's Department of Nursing offers a comprehensive BSN program in Conway, just outside Little Rock. UCA also offers graduate nursing programs, making it possible to complete your entire nursing education pathway — from BSN to MSN to DNP — at one institution.
- Complete BSN-to-DNP pathway at one institution
- Central Arkansas clinical partnerships
- Strong health sciences division
Arkansas State University (A-State)
Jonesboro, AR · Public · CCNE
Arkansas State University's College of Nursing and Health Professions is one of the larger nursing programs in the state, offering a wide range from BSN through DNP, including online options. Located in Jonesboro, students have access to clinical rotations at St. Bernards Medical Center. A-State is particularly strong in community health and advanced-practice nursing.
- Online RN-to-BSN available
- Clinical rotations at St. Bernards Medical Center
- Particularly strong in community health
Tuition in Arkansas: What to Expect
Arkansas is one of the most affordable states for nursing education:
| Program Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| ADN programs | $6,000–$15,000 total (60–72 credits) |
| BSN at public universities | $8,000–$12,000/year in-state |
Many programs offer in-state tuition to residents of bordering states. Financial aid, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs are widely available, especially for nurses willing to work in rural or underserved areas after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average nursing salary in Arkansas?
The average RN salary in Arkansas is approximately $63,690 per year. While this is below the national average, Arkansas's significantly lower cost of living means your purchasing power is comparable to — or even better than — nurses earning more in high-cost states.
Is Arkansas a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state?
Yes, Arkansas is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs with a multistate license can practice in Arkansas without obtaining a separate state license.
What are NCLEX pass rates trending in Arkansas?
Arkansas has seen significant improvement, with statewide NCLEX pass rates climbing from 78.67% in 2021 to 91.05% in 2024. This upward trend reflects investment in program quality across the state's nursing schools.
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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