nursingadmissionscareersArkansas

Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 3, 2026

Explore 20 nursing programs across Arkansas universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs ($2,856–$30,832/yr), admission rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Arkansas

Arkansas offers 20 accredited nursing programs spread across 14 universities and 6 community colleges, giving prospective nursing students multiple pathways to enter the profession. Whether you're seeking an affordable Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Arkansas institutions provide accessible, quality education with reasonable in-state tuition rates.

The state's nursing programs range dramatically in cost and selectivity. In-state tuition at public universities spans from $6,906 to $10,118 annually, while community college programs cost just $2,856 to $5,600 per year. This affordability, combined with strong job market demand for nurses in Arkansas, makes the state an attractive option for career changers and traditional students alike.

Nursing graduates from Arkansas programs earn competitive salaries depending on their degree level. Associate degree holders earn between $50,907 and $74,682 annually, while bachelor's degree graduates earn $53,552 to $72,771 per year. Those pursuing advanced degrees (master's and doctoral programs) can earn $92,169 to $142,090 annually.

Top University Nursing Programs in Arkansas

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)

Tuition: $9,748/year (in-state) | Acceptance Rate: 71.7% | Graduation Rate: 69.6%

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is Arkansas's flagship institution and offers one of the state's most rigorous nursing programs. With a 69.6% graduation rate—the highest among public universities in the state—this program demonstrates strong student success. Doctoral degree graduates earn $115,635 annually on average.

The university enrolls 27,312 students overall, providing extensive campus resources, research opportunities, and networking connections. The competitive 71.7% acceptance rate reflects the program's reputation, making it ideal for students with strong academic credentials.

Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)

Tuition: $7,754/year (in-state) | Acceptance Rate: 69.7% | Graduation Rate: 53.9%

Arkansas State University offers an excellent value proposition with the lowest tuition among major research universities. Master's degree graduates from ASU's nursing program earn $142,090 annually—the highest average salary among all Arkansas nursing programs listed.

With an enrollment of 7,994 students, ASU provides a mid-sized campus experience with strong healthcare partnerships in northeast Arkansas. The 69.7% acceptance rate is competitive but achievable for well-prepared applicants.

University of Central Arkansas (Conway)

Tuition: $10,118/year (in-state) | Acceptance Rate: 90.5% | Graduation Rate: 51.7%

UCA offers the most accessible admission pathway among four-year universities, with a 90.5% acceptance rate. This makes it an excellent option for students with moderate academic profiles who are serious about nursing. Master's degree graduates earn $96,070 annually.

Located in Conway with 7,426 students, UCA provides a supportive environment for nursing students while maintaining reasonable tuition costs. The high acceptance rate doesn't indicate lower quality—it reflects the institution's commitment to access.

Harding University (Searcy)

Tuition: $24,888/year (in-state) | Acceptance Rate: 100.0% | Graduation Rate: 70.2%

Harding is Arkansas's premier private nursing institution with guaranteed admission and the second-highest graduation rate (70.2%) in the state. Master's degree graduates earn $98,354 annually. While tuition is significantly higher than public institutions, Harding's 70.2% graduation rate and strong outcomes justify the investment for students seeking a private university experience.

With 3,323 students, Harding offers close-knit community and faith-based values that appeal to many nursing students. The guaranteed admission (100% acceptance rate) removes uncertainty from the application process.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock)

Tuition: Contact institution | Nursing grad earnings: $118,926/yr (First Professional Degree)

UAMS is Arkansas's only academic medical center and the state's most prestigious nursing institution. Graduates with first professional degrees earn $118,926 annually—second only to University of Arkansas doctoral graduates. This program is highly competitive and designed for students pursuing advanced nursing roles.

UAMS enrolls 1,361 students and offers unparalleled clinical training through its affiliated hospital system. If you're considering advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist), UAMS should be on your list.

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Tuition: $6,906/year (in-state) | Acceptance Rate: 81.5% | Graduation Rate: 39.5%

Fort Smith offers the lowest tuition among four-year universities at $6,906 annually. Bachelor's degree graduates earn $59,673 per year. With an 81.5% acceptance rate, this program is accessible to most applicants while maintaining affordability.

The lower graduation rate (39.5%) suggests this program may serve more non-traditional or working students, which can be advantageous if you need flexibility.

Arkansas Tech University (Russellville)

Tuition: $8,508/year (in-state) | Acceptance Rate: 96.3% | Graduation Rate: 48.8%

Arkansas Tech has the highest acceptance rate (96.3%) among four-year universities, making it the most accessible option for students concerned about admission. Tuition is reasonable at $8,508 annually, and bachelor's degree graduates earn $59,678 per year.

With 5,993 students, Arkansas Tech provides a supportive environment for students who may be first-generation college attendees or have non-traditional backgrounds.

Other University Options

University of Central Arkansas at Little Rock ($8,455/yr, 57.7% acceptance) and Southern Arkansas University ($9,820/yr, 66.6% acceptance) offer additional four-year pathways with competitive tuition and moderate selectivity. Henderson State University ($7,885/yr) and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ($9,019/yr) serve regional populations with affordable, accessible programs.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Community colleges in Arkansas offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at dramatically lower costs than universities—typically $2,856 to $5,600 annually. ADN graduates are fully licensed RNs and can immediately enter the workforce, making this path ideal for cost-conscious students or those seeking faster entry into nursing.

Most Affordable Programs

Arkansas State University-Newport leads with the lowest tuition at $2,856/year. Graduates earn $74,682 annually—competitive with many bachelor's degree holders.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College ($2,982/yr) serves the rapidly growing Bentonville area with strong regional healthcare partnerships. Graduates earn $50,907 annually.

University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($3,504/yr) offers an intimate learning environment with 1,538 students.

North Arkansas College ($3,168/yr) in Harrison provides regional access with associate's degree graduates earning $51,683 annually.

Mid-Range Community College Programs

Black River Technical College ($4,584/yr) in Pocahontas stands out with associate's degree graduates earning $65,875 annually—among the highest for ADN holders in the state.

National Park College ($5,600/yr) in Hot Springs offers a scenic campus location with associate's degree graduates earning $54,788 annually.

Why Choose Community College?

Cost savings: $2,856–$5,600/year vs. $6,906–$10,118 at universities
Faster entry: Complete ADN in 2 years vs. 4 years for BSN
Immediate licensure: ADN graduates sit for NCLEX-RN immediately
Transfer pathways: Many ADN holders later pursue BSN degrees through RN-to-BSN programs

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

1. Budget Considerations

Calculate your total cost of attendance over 2 or 4 years. Community college ADN programs cost $5,712–$11,200 total, while four-year universities range from $27,624 to $123,528 for in-state tuition alone. Don't forget housing, books, and fees when comparing.

2. Admission Competitiveness

Assess your academic profile honestly. If your GPA or standardized test scores are below the institution's typical range, consider programs with higher acceptance rates (Arkansas Tech at 96.3%, UCA at 90.5%, or Harding at 100%) rather than applying to highly selective programs where you're unlikely to be admitted.

3. Graduation Rates

Graduation rates indicate program quality and student support. University of Arkansas (69.6%) and Harding (70.2%) have the strongest graduation rates. Lower graduation rates don't necessarily indicate poor quality—they may reflect the institution's commitment to access—but they suggest you should investigate why students leave.

4. Career Goals

Bedside nursing: ADN or BSN from any program prepares you well. Community college is cost-effective.
Advanced practice (NP, CRNA, CNS): Pursue BSN, then master's degree. Arkansas State and University of Arkansas have strong advanced programs.
Leadership/Administration: Master's degree programs at Arkansas State ($142,090 earnings) and UCA ($96,070) offer excellent ROI.
Research/Academia: University of Arkansas and UAMS offer doctoral pathways.

5. Location and Lifestyle

Consider where you want to live and work. Programs in Little Rock (UAMS, UA-Little Rock, Harding) serve the state's largest metro area. Fayetteville (University of Arkansas) is in northwest Arkansas's booming tech region. Rural students should consider regional options like Arkansas Tech, Southern Arkansas, or North Arkansas College.

6. Clinical Partnerships

Research each program's clinical affiliations. UAMS has the strongest hospital partnerships through its medical center. University of Arkansas benefits from partnerships across northwest Arkansas's growing healthcare system. Community colleges often have strong regional hospital relationships.

Nursing Job Market in Arkansas

Arkansas faces a significant nursing shortage. The state's aging population and rural healthcare needs create strong job demand across all regions. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, nursing is among the fastest-growing professions nationally, and Arkansas is no exception.

Salary expectations by degree:

Associate degree: $50,907–$74,682/year
Bachelor's degree: $53,552–$72,771/year
Master's degree: $92,169–$142,090/year
Doctoral degree: $115,635–$118,926/year

Geographic opportunities:

Little Rock metro: Highest concentration of healthcare employers and advanced practice opportunities
Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville): Rapid growth in healthcare infrastructure
Rural Arkansas: Critical shortage of nurses; loan forgiveness and incentive programs often available

Specialization demand: Critical care, emergency nursing, and psychiatric nursing have particularly strong demand in Arkansas. Many programs offer specialization pathways within their curricula.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Arkansas

Federal Aid

All Arkansas nursing students qualify for federal student loans (Stafford loans) and Pell Grants based on FAFSA results. Nursing is a high-need field, making you competitive for federal work-study positions.

State-Specific Programs

Arkansas Student Loan Authority: Offers alternative loans for students who've exhausted federal aid
Rural Health Professions Scholarship Program: Provides funding for students committing to rural practice
Nursing Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment: Some employers offer loan repayment for nurses in critical shortage areas

Institutional Aid

Most Arkansas universities offer nursing scholarships. University of Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Harding provide merit-based scholarships for strong applicants. Community colleges often have smaller scholarship pools but may offer workforce development grants.

Employer Sponsorship

Many Arkansas healthcare systems (Baptist Health, CHI Health, Mercy) offer tuition reimbursement for employees or prospective employees. Consider applying to hospitals while in school to access these benefits.

Military Benefits

Veterans and military family members should explore GI Bill benefits. Several Arkansas programs (particularly community colleges and regional universities) have strong veteran support services.

Next Steps: Compare Programs and Apply

You've learned about Arkansas's 20 nursing programs. Now it's time to narrow your choices and take action.

Start by defining your priorities:

Budget (community college vs. university)
Timeline (2-year ADN vs. 4-year BSN)
Career goals (bedside nursing vs. advanced practice)
Location preferences
Admission competitiveness

Use GradeToGrad to compare programs side-by-side:

Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to filter Arkansas nursing schools by tuition, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and location. Create a comparison list of 3–5 programs that align with your priorities.

Key comparisons to make:

Total cost of attendance (tuition + fees + living expenses)
Time to degree (2 vs. 4 years)
Acceptance rates (realistic admission chances)
Graduation rates (student success indicators)
Post-graduation earnings (ROI by degree level)
Clinical partnership quality

Application timeline:

Fall of senior year (if traditional student): Research programs, take TEAS or HESI exam if required, request transcripts
Winter: Submit applications (most programs have rolling admissions)
Spring: Attend campus visits, interview if invited, make final decision
Summer: Prepare for program start (purchase supplies, arrange housing)

Arkansas nursing programs are accessible, affordable, and lead to strong career outcomes. Whether you choose the prestigious University of Arkansas, the value-focused Arkansas State, the accessible Arkansas Tech, or the affordable community college route, you're investing in a profession with consistent demand and meaningful impact.

Start your comparison today on GradeToGrad and take the next step toward your nursing career.