Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
ABSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| Arkansas State University Accelerated BSN | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Accelerated BSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | ABSN | ABSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Jonesboro, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
| Length | 14 monthsBEST | 16 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 68.6% | 94.5%BEST |
| Acceptance rate | 69.7% | 81.5%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $18,894 | $6,906 in / $13,770 outBEST |
| In-state tuition | — | $6,906 |
| Out-of-state tuition | — | $13,770 |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's ABSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 94.5%, compared to 68.6% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is the more affordable option at roughly $6,906, compared to $18,894. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the same type of program?
Both are ABSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.
How do I decide between Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.
Want a personalized fit score?
Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.