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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
Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team
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

Nursing Programs in Arkansas by City

Drill into city-level rankings. Showing cities with at least 3 programs.

Little Rock (13)Fayetteville (9)Jonesboro (9)Pine Bluff (7)Conway (6)Russellville (6)Arkadelphia (5)Searcy (4)Batesville (3)Blytheville (3)De Queen (3)Fort Smith (3)Harrison (3)Monticello (3)

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.

Compare Arkansas with Nearby States

Considering programs across state lines? Browse nursing schools in neighboring states.

Nursing schools in LouisianaNursing schools in OklahomaNursing schools in TexasNursing schools in CaliforniaNursing schools in FloridaNursing schools in New YorkNursing schools in PennsylvaniaNursing schools in Illinois

Helpful Guides for Arkansas Applicants

Background reading on admissions, program length, and costs.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) GuideOnline ADN ProgramsBest Online BSN ProgramsEasiest Nursing Schools to Get IntoTop Online RN-to-BSN ProgramsCheap and Fast Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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