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Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas has 113 nursing programs across 35 cities. 56 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 89%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all Arkansas programsAll states
113
Total programs
6
Program types
89%
Avg NCLEX rate
56
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in Arkansas by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

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Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in Arkansas by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

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Harding University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Searcy, AR•$24,888
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University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Fort Smith, AR•$6,906 in / $13,770 out
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Nursing Programs in Arkansas by Type

ADN
29 programs
Avg NCLEX: 89%
View ADN in Arkansas→All states
BSN
18 programs
Avg NCLEX: 88%
View BSN in Arkansas→All states
ABSN
4 programs
Avg NCLEX: 88%
View ABSN in Arkansas→All states
RN to BSN
7 programs
Avg NCLEX: 82%
View RN to BSN in Arkansas→All states
MSN
9 programs
Avg NCLEX: 89%
View MSN in Arkansas→All states
DNP
14 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View DNP in Arkansas→All states

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Arkansas

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

Arkansas Northeastern College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$2,570 in / $4,250 out
Arkansas Northeastern College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$2,570 in / $4,250 out
Arkansas Northeastern College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • BSN
$2,570 in / $4,250 out
Arkansas State University-Newport
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$2,856 in / $4,320 out
Arkansas State University-Newport
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$2,856 in / $4,320 out
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$2,982 in / $5,022 out
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$2,982 in / $5,022 out
Arkansas State University Mid-South
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$3,048 in / $4,560 out
North Arkansas College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,168 in / $5,544 out
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,168 in / $4,632 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Arkansas?

There are 113 nursing programs in Arkansas, spanning 29 ADN, 18 BSN, 4 ABSN, 7 RN to BSN, 9 MSN, 14 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in Arkansas?

Based on 56 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in Arkansas is 89%. The highest rate is 100% at Arkansas State University.

What is the cheapest nursing school in Arkansas?

The most affordable option is Arkansas Northeastern College (ADN) at $2,570 in / $4,250 out.

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