Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas’s latest State Board of Nursing NCLEX summary reshuffles the usual shortlist.

In the 2025 BSN table, Arkansas Tech University, Southern Arkansas University, Ouachita Baptist University, and Harding University MEPN each posted 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. University of Arkansas - Fort Smith posted 97.5%, while major names such as UAMS and University of Arkansas - Fayetteville landed below their 2024 results.

On the ADN side, Arkansas Tech University - Ozark posted 100%, UACC Morrilton posted 96.5%, Baptist Health College Little Rock posted 95.8%, and ARNEC posted 93.8% in 2025.

That is why choosing a nursing school in Arkansas should not be based on reputation alone. The right program depends on the exact campus, pathway, Board approval, accreditation, NCLEX trend, clinical access, cost, and whether you plan to stop at RN licensure or continue to a BSN or graduate nursing degree.

How we selected the best nursing schools in Arkansas

This guide does not copy third-party rankings. It uses public, checkable signals that matter to future nurses.

We prioritized:

1. Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval
2. Latest ASBN 2021-2025 NCLEX first-time pass-rate summaries
3. Programmatic nursing accreditation
4. Degree pathway: ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MEPN
5. Clinical access and regional fit
6. Affordability and transfer options
7. Long-term mobility for BSN, MSN, DNP, NP, CRNA, leadership, and specialty roles

Official starting points:

• Arkansas State Board of Nursing: Approved Nursing Programs
• Arkansas State Board of Nursing: NCLEX Exam
• ASBN BSN and MEPN NCLEX pass rates 2021-2025 PDF
• ASBN ADN NCLEX pass rates 2021-2025 PDF
• ACEN accredited program search
• CCNE accredited program directory

ADN vs BSN in Arkansas

Arkansas gives nursing students several workable routes. The best choice depends on cost, timeline, location, and career goals.

ADN / ASN / AAS nursing

An associate degree nursing program is usually the fastest and lower-cost route to RN licensure. Arkansas has many ADN and AAS-RN options through community colleges, technical colleges, hospital-based schools, and university-connected campuses.

Best for:

• Students who want to become RNs sooner
• Students who need lower upfront tuition
• Working adults
• LPNs moving into RN practice
• Students who plan to complete RN-to-BSN later
• Students who want to work in local hospitals, clinics, long-term care, home health, or rural settings

Main caution: Some hospitals, leadership tracks, specialty units, and graduate programs may prefer or require BSN preparation. If you choose ADN first, map your RN-to-BSN plan early.

BSN nursing

A BSN is a bachelor’s degree that prepares students for RN licensure and broader long-term career mobility.

Best for:

• Students who want a four-year university route
• Students targeting hospital residencies, specialty care, leadership, public health, military nursing, or graduate school
• Students who may become NPs, CRNAs, nurse educators, nurse leaders, or DNP-prepared clinicians later
• Students who want to avoid returning to school for RN-to-BSN

Main caution: BSN programs usually take longer and cost more upfront than ADN programs, and admissions can be competitive.

Accelerated BSN and MEPN pathways

Accelerated or graduate-entry pathways are for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Arkansas examples include:

• UAMS Accelerated BSN
• Arkansas State University Accelerated BSN
• Harding University second-degree and MEPN pathways
• Other second-degree or bridge routes depending on school

Best for: Career changers who already have a degree and want a faster route into nursing.

Main caution: These programs are intense, and working during the program may be difficult.

Latest Arkansas NCLEX-RN results

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s 2021-2025 reports list first-time candidate results by program. The Board notes that passing percentages reflect all campuses of a college combined and that the first column is number taking, second is number passing, and third is percentage passing.

2025 BSN and MEPN results

The statewide Arkansas BSN total for 2025 was 90.2%, compared with the national BSN total of 89.1%.

2025 ADN results

The statewide Arkansas ADN total for 2025 was 85.5%, compared with the national ADN total of 87.5%.

# Best BSN nursing programs in Arkansas

1. Arkansas Tech University Department of Nursing

Location: Russellville School type: Public university Program type: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN options Best for: Students who want a public BSN option with the strongest current ASBN NCLEX signal

Arkansas Tech University is one of the clearest winners in the newest ASBN data. Its Russellville BSN program posted 100% first-time NCLEX-RN performance in both 2024 and 2025, with 55 of 55 candidates passing in 2025.

ATU offers BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing options. The nursing department describes itself as offering multiple undergraduate pathways, including BSN, RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-BSN, and an MSN in Nursing Administration.

Official program links:

• Arkansas Tech University Nursing
• ATU Nursing admission information

Why students choose it

• Excellent 2025 NCLEX result
• Public university route
• Traditional BSN and bridge options
• Russellville location
• Good fit for students in central and western Arkansas

Potential drawbacks

• Strong outcomes may increase admissions competition
• Students should verify current application deadlines and clinical travel expectations
• Applicants should compare total cost and RN-to-BSN options if starting through a bridge route

2. Southern Arkansas University Department of Nursing

Location: Magnolia School type: Public university Program type: BSN Best for: Students in south Arkansas who want a public BSN option with a strong current NCLEX result

Southern Arkansas University posted a 100% 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, with 34 of 34 candidates passing. SAU’s nursing page describes a BSN program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical practice, simulation, and local clinical experiences.

Official program links:

• Southern Arkansas University Nursing
• ACEN: Southern Arkansas University accreditation profile

Why students choose it

• 100% 2025 NCLEX result
• Public university route
• Magnolia and south Arkansas access
• Simulation and local clinical learning
• Strong fit for students who want to work in regional or rural healthcare

Potential drawbacks

• Smaller cohort than some larger schools
• Applicants should compare multi-year NCLEX trends
• Location may be less convenient for students targeting Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas clinical markets

3. University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Carolyn McKelvey School of Nursing

Location: Fort Smith School type: Public university Program type: BSN Best for: Students in western Arkansas seeking a public BSN pathway with strong current NCLEX performance

UAFS posted a 97.5% 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, with 79 of 81 candidates passing. UAFS says its BSN program is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Official program links:

• UAFS Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• UAFS BSN catalog page

Why students choose it

• Strong 2025 NCLEX result
• Public university setting
• Fort Smith regional clinical market
• CCNE accreditation noted by UAFS
• Good fit for western Arkansas and River Valley students

Potential drawbacks

• Applicants should confirm clinical requirements and background-check policies early
• Fort Smith location may not fit students targeting Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas
• Admission and progression policies should be reviewed carefully

4. Arkansas State University School of Nursing

Location: Jonesboro School type: Public university Program type: AASN, LPN-to-AASN, paramedic-to-AASN, BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, nurse anesthesia Best for: Students who want a broad nursing school with many entry and advancement options

Arkansas State University is one of the state’s largest and broadest nursing schools. A-State offers multiple undergraduate and graduate routes, including AASN, LPN-to-AASN, paramedic-to-AASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and nurse anesthesia.

In the ASBN 2025 BSN table, Arkansas State University - Jonesboro posted 93.4%, with 129 of 138 first-time candidates passing. That is not the highest 2025 BSN result in Arkansas, but it remains a strong signal with a larger cohort.

Official program links:

• Arkansas State University School of Nursing
• A-State RN-to-BSN
• A-State Accelerated BSN

Why students choose it

• Broadest pathway menu in the state
• Strong 2025 BSN outcome with a large cohort
• Traditional, bridge, accelerated, online, and graduate options
• Jonesboro regional clinical access
• Good fit for northeast Arkansas students

Potential drawbacks

• ADN/AASN outcomes differ from BSN outcomes, so compare the exact pathway
• Accelerated and online formats still require in-person clinical experiences
• Applicants should verify clinical-site expectations and state authorization if living outside Arkansas

5. Harding University Carr College of Nursing

Location: Searcy School type: Private Christian university Program type: BSN, second-degree/accelerated routes, MEPN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want a private faith-based nursing program with strong multi-year outcomes

Harding University’s traditional BSN posted 93.6% in 2025, with 59 of 63 candidates passing. Its MEPN pathway posted 100%, with 7 of 7 candidates passing. Harding’s nursing page describes BSN and graduate nursing pathways, and its baccalaureate program appears in the CCNE directory.

Official program links:

• Harding University Carr College of Nursing
• CCNE Arkansas baccalaureate program directory

Why students choose it

• Private Christian university environment
• Strong 2025 BSN result
• MEPN option with small-cohort 100% result
• Good fit for students seeking a faith-based campus
• Searcy location

Potential drawbacks

• Private tuition
• MEPN cohort size is small, so compare multi-year results
• Applicants should clarify second-degree route, clinical schedule, and total cost

6. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing

Location: Little Rock for traditional BSN; Northwest Arkansas for accelerated BSN School type: Public academic health sciences center Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MNSc, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want an academic health sciences environment and clinical exposure connected to Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas

UAMS is still one of the most important nursing schools in Arkansas because of its academic health sciences environment and connection to major clinical sites. But the newest ASBN data should be read carefully: UAMS posted 89.4% in 2025, down from 96.7% in 2024.

UAMS states that it offers two BSN programs: the traditional BSN at the main UAMS campus in Little Rock and the accelerated BSN at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus. UAMS also offers online RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MNSc pathways for licensed RNs.

Official program links:

• UAMS College of Nursing
• UAMS BSN program information
• UAMS Accelerated BSN
• UAMS RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MNSc

Why students choose it

• Academic health sciences environment
• Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas options
• Traditional and accelerated BSN pathways
• Strong graduate nursing ladder
• Clinical relevance for students targeting academic, pediatric, specialty, or tertiary care

Potential drawbacks

• 2025 NCLEX pass rate was lower than several Arkansas BSN programs
• Applicants should compare traditional vs accelerated outcomes when available
• Admission and clinical expectations can be demanding

7. University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing

Location: Fayetteville School type: Public flagship university Program type: BSN, online RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want the flagship campus experience and Northwest Arkansas access

University of Arkansas - Fayetteville remains a major option because of its flagship campus, Northwest Arkansas location, and online RN-to-BSN pathway. The school says its programs prepare students for a wide range of nursing career pathways, and its online RN-to-BSN is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma.

However, applicants should review the newest ASBN data carefully. The 2025 ASBN table lists University of Arkansas - Fayetteville at 86.8%, down from 93.1% in 2024.

Official program links:

• University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
• UARK BSN options
• UARK RN-to-BSN online

Why students choose it

• Flagship university experience
• Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas regional growth
• Online RN-to-BSN pathway
• Strong fit for students who want a large campus environment

Potential drawbacks

• 2025 NCLEX result was lower than several Arkansas competitors
• Admission can be competitive
• Applicants should compare multi-year trends and ask about NCLEX support

Other BSN programs to compare

Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist posted 100% in 2025, with 20 of 20 candidates passing. Because it is a newer ASBN table entry, applicants should compare multi-year data as it develops.

John Brown University

John Brown posted 91.3% in 2025, with 21 of 23 candidates passing. It may be worth comparing for students seeking a private Christian university environment in Northwest Arkansas.

University of Central Arkansas

UCA posted 88.7% in 2025. UCA says its baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are CCNE-accredited and that programs are fully approved by ASBN.

Official link:

• University of Central Arkansas BSN

University of Arkansas - Monticello

UAM posted 90% in 2025, with a smaller cohort of 10 testers. Students in southeast Arkansas should compare UAM against ADN, BSN, and bridge options by location and cost.

Programs needing extra caution

Henderson State posted 73% in 2025, and University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff posted 53.3%. These programs may still be appropriate for some students, but applicants should ask direct questions about Board status, remediation, retention, curriculum changes, and NCLEX improvement plans before enrolling.

# Best ADN nursing programs in Arkansas

1. Arkansas Tech University - Ozark

Location: Ozark School type: Public university system / technical campus Program type: Associate degree nursing Best for: Students who want an ADN route with the strongest current ASBN ADN result

Arkansas Tech University - Ozark posted 100% in 2025, with 31 of 31 first-time candidates passing the NCLEX-RN. That makes it the strongest current ADN result in the ASBN table.

Official link:

• Arkansas Tech University Nursing

Why students choose it

• 100% 2025 ADN result
• Public pathway
• Strong fit for River Valley and western Arkansas students
• Potential bridge connection into BSN routes

Potential drawbacks

• Strong outcomes can make admission competitive
• Students should verify campus-specific requirements and clinical travel
• ADN students should plan RN-to-BSN early

2. Baptist Health College Little Rock

Location: Little Rock School type: Hospital-connected college Program type: Traditional nursing / RN pathway Best for: Students who want a hospital-connected pathway in Little Rock with a strong 2025 NCLEX result

Baptist Health College Little Rock posted 95.8% in 2025, with 137 of 143 candidates passing. It also posted 99.2% in 2024, making it one of the strongest recent ADN or hospital-based RN pathways in Arkansas.

Official program link:

• Baptist Health College Little Rock

Why students choose it

• Strong 2024 and 2025 NCLEX results
• Little Rock clinical market
• Hospital-connected education model
• Large candidate cohort compared with many ADN programs

Potential drawbacks

• Hospital-school model may feel different from a traditional college campus
• Applicants should compare total cost, transfer options, and BSN-completion planning
• Clinical schedule can be demanding

3. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

Location: Morrilton School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing Best for: Students in central Arkansas seeking a high-performing ADN pathway

UACC Morrilton posted 96.5% in 2025, with 28 of 29 first-time candidates passing. It also posted 100% in 2024, making it a strong ADN option to compare.

Official program link:

• UACC Morrilton Nursing and Allied Health

Why students choose it

• Strong 2024 and 2025 NCLEX results
• Public community-college cost structure
• Central Arkansas location
• Good ADN-to-BSN planning option

Potential drawbacks

• Applicants should verify admission requirements and clinical sites
• Smaller cohort than some larger ADN programs
• Students should compare transfer agreements and RN-to-BSN options

4. Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC)

Location: Consortium model with multiple member sites; listed by ASBN as ARNEC - DeQueen School type: Consortium pathway Program type: LPN/LVN-to-RN bridge-style associate pathway Best for: LPNs in rural Arkansas who need a pathway designed around regional access

ARNEC posted 93.8% in 2025, with 92 of 98 candidates passing. It is one of Arkansas’s more important rural nursing education pathways because it helps practical nurses advance toward RN licensure without relocating to a large city.

Official program link:

• Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium

Why students choose it

• Strong 2025 result
• Rural-access mission
• Large 2025 cohort among ADN pathways
• Important LPN-to-RN mobility route

Potential drawbacks

• Designed for a specific student profile, often LPNs
• Clinical and site logistics depend on location
• Applicants should confirm eligibility, schedule, and local requirements

5. Arkansas Northeastern College

Location: Blytheville School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing Best for: Northeast Arkansas students seeking a public ADN route with strong recent outcomes

Arkansas Northeastern College posted 91.3% in 2025, with 21 of 23 candidates passing. It also posted 100% in 2022 and 2023, though its 2024 result was lower at 89.6%.

Official program link:

• Arkansas Northeastern College Nursing

Why students choose it

• Strong 2025 result
• Public community-college route
• Northeast Arkansas access
• Good option for students near Blytheville

Potential drawbacks

• Smaller cohort
• Applicants should compare multi-year trends and clinical-site access
• ADN students should plan BSN completion early

6. North Arkansas College

Location: Harrison School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing Best for: North Arkansas students seeking an ADN pathway close to home

North Arkansas College posted 90.9% in 2025, with 50 of 55 candidates passing. It also posted 95.3% in 2024.

Official program link:

• North Arkansas College Nursing and Allied Health

Why students choose it

• Strong 2024 and solid 2025 results
• Northern Arkansas access
• Public community-college cost structure
• Good fit for students who want to stay near Harrison and surrounding communities

Potential drawbacks

• Applicants should verify clinical travel and retention data
• RN-to-BSN planning matters for long-term mobility

7. National Park College

Location: Hot Springs School type: Public community college Program type: ASN, LPN-to-RN Best for: Students seeking a Hot Springs ADN option with a strong multi-year history

National Park College posted 87.5% in 2025, which is a noticeable decline from its 97.9% result in 2024 and 98.1% result in 2023. NPC remains worth comparing because of its strong prior results and official program approval/accreditation status, but applicants should ask about the 2025 dip.

NPC says its Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares students to apply for RN licensure and take the NCLEX-RN, and that the program is ASBN-approved and ACEN-accredited.

Official program links:

• National Park College Registered Nursing
• NPC catalog: Registered Nursing, AS - LPN to RN

Why students compare it

• Hot Springs location
• ASBN approval and ACEN accreditation stated by NPC
• ASN and LPN-to-RN options
• Strong 2023 and 2024 NCLEX outcomes

Potential drawbacks

• 2025 NCLEX rate dropped to 87.5%
• Applicants should ask about cohort changes, remediation, and NCLEX preparation
• Students should compare current outcomes against ATU-Ozark, Baptist, UACC Morrilton, and ARNEC

8. UA Little Rock School of Nursing

Location: Little Rock School type: Public university Program type: AAS-RN, LPN/Paramedic-to-RN options, RN-to-BSN Best for: Central Arkansas students who want an ADN/AAS route with a built-in BSN completion option

UA Little Rock posted 89.2% in 2025, with 124 of 139 first-time candidates passing. It posted 92.2% in 2024. UA Little Rock also offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program for licensed RNs.

Official program links:

• UA Little Rock School of Nursing
• UA Little Rock RN-to-BSN

Why students choose it

• Little Rock location
• AAS-RN route with BSN completion option
• Large cohort
• Useful pathway for students who want to stay in central Arkansas

Potential drawbacks

• 2025 NCLEX rate was below some higher-performing ADN options
• Applicants should compare retention, progression rules, and BSN completion planning

9. NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Location: Bentonville and Washington County access School type: Public community college Program type: ADN and track options Best for: Northwest Arkansas students who want an ADN route close to a fast-growing healthcare market

NWACC posted 85.1% in 2025, down from 90.1% in 2024 and 95.6% in 2023. NWACC remains important because Northwest Arkansas healthcare demand is growing, but applicants should review the trend carefully.

NWACC’s nursing page describes multiple track options, including accelerated tracks and clinical arrangements that may involve nights and weekends.

Official program link:

• NWACC Nursing

Why students compare it

• Bentonville / Northwest Arkansas access
• Public community-college cost structure
• Multiple track options
• Regional workforce demand

Potential drawbacks

• 2025 pass rate was below several Arkansas ADN competitors
• Applicants should ask about remediation, cohort changes, and clinical logistics
• Students should map RN-to-BSN planning early

Other ADN programs to compare carefully

Jefferson Regional School of Nursing

Jefferson Regional posted 90.7% in 2025 after 100% in 2024. It is worth comparing for Pine Bluff-area students.

Ozarka College

Ozarka appears as a new program in the ASBN 2025 table and posted 90.6% with 29 of 32 candidates passing. Newer programs deserve extra due diligence because multi-year trends are limited.

Black River Technical College

Black River Technical College posted 88.8% in 2025 after 94.8% in 2024. It is relevant for students near Pocahontas and northeast Arkansas.

Programs needing extra caution

Several ADN programs posted lower 2025 pass rates or notable declines, including ASU Newport, ASU Mountain Home, ASU Three Rivers, Phillips Community College - UA Helena, and UA East Arkansas Community College. That does not mean every student should avoid them, but it does mean applicants should ask direct questions about Board status, curriculum changes, remediation, faculty stability, clinical access, and recent improvement plans.

Arkansas nursing salary and job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses nationally had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024. BLS projects RN employment to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings per year on average.

Official source:

• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses

For Arkansas-specific wages, O*NET’s BLS-based wage page lists Arkansas registered nurses at:

• $77,130 median annual wage
• $37.08 median hourly wage
• $57,380 or less at the 10th percentile
• $99,960 or more at the 90th percentile

Official source:

• O*NET Arkansas wages for Registered Nurses

Arkansas and the Nurse Licensure Compact

Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.

The ASBN compact page explains that licensing standards are aligned in NLC states and that applicants for a multistate nursing license must meet uniform licensure requirements.

Official sources:

• ASBN Compact
• Nurse Licensure Compact: Applying for Licensure

For Arkansas residents, a multistate license can support work across compact states if you meet the requirements and Arkansas is your primary state of residence.

Arkansas RN licensure basics

New Arkansas nursing graduates generally need to:

1. Graduate from an ASBN-approved RN program.
2. Apply for RN initial licensure by examination through ASBN.
3. Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN.
4. Submit required documentation and fees.
5. Complete required background-check steps.
6. Pass the NCLEX-RN.
7. Receive Arkansas RN licensure before practising as an RN.

ASBN’s RN Initial By Exam page says the application is for new graduates seeking initial licensure by examination and that applicants must complete the process for both ASBN and Pearson to take the NCLEX.

Official sources:

• ASBN RN Initial By Exam
• ASBN Examination
• Arkansas Nurse Portal

Arkansas clinical markets to consider

Little Rock and central Arkansas

Strong fit for students interested in:

• Academic medical centers
• Children’s hospitals
• Specialty care
• Trauma and tertiary care
• Hospital-based nursing education
• Public health and state-level systems
• Nurse residency programs

Programs to compare:

• UAMS
• Baptist Health College Little Rock
• UA Little Rock
• UCA
• UACC Morrilton
• Arkansas Tech, depending on commute

Northwest Arkansas

Strong fit for students interested in:

• Rapidly growing regional healthcare demand
• Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding communities
• University campus environments
• Community-college ADN routes
• Regional hospitals and clinics

Programs to compare:

• University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
• NWACC
• UAMS Northwest accelerated BSN
• John Brown University
• ARNEC sites depending on location

Northeast Arkansas

Strong fit for students interested in:

• Jonesboro and surrounding regional systems
• Rural and small-city healthcare
• Community-college and university ladder pathways

Programs to compare:

• Arkansas State University
• Arkansas Northeastern College
• Black River Technical College
• ASU Newport
• ASU Mountain Home
• Ozarka College

South and southwest Arkansas

Strong fit for students interested in:

• Rural and regional healthcare
• Community hospitals
• Lower-cost public options
• Staying close to home

Programs to compare:

• Southern Arkansas University
• SAU Tech
• UAM
• UAMS or UARK routes if relocation is possible
• ARNEC sites depending on eligibility and location

How to compare Arkansas nursing programs

Build a spreadsheet with:

• School name
• Exact campus
• Pathway: ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, MEPN, RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-RN
• ASBN approval status
• Accreditation: ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized accreditor
• Latest NCLEX result
• Three-year NCLEX trend
• Cohort size
• Completion rate
• Attrition rate
• Total cost
• Fees, testing packages, books, uniforms, background checks, and supplies
• Clinical sites
• Clinical travel distance
• Simulation resources
• Faculty support and tutoring
• Remediation plan
• Work schedule compatibility
• RN-to-BSN or graduate options
• Local employer reputation

For a deeper explanation of accreditation, read NurseZee’s guide to ACEN vs CCNE accreditation.

Questions to ask every Arkansas nursing school

Approval and accreditation

• Are you currently approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing?
• Is the exact program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized nursing accreditor?
• Is my campus and pathway included in that accreditation?
• Are there any warnings, conditions, probationary actions, or pending approval issues?

NCLEX and outcomes

• What were your first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the last three years?
• How many students tested each year?
• What is your completion or graduation rate?
• What percentage of admitted students finish the nursing sequence?
• What remediation is available for students who struggle?
• What changed if the latest NCLEX rate dropped?

Clinical placement

• Which hospitals and clinical agencies do students use?
• How far might students travel?
• Are evening or weekend clinicals required?
• Are specialty rotations guaranteed or competitive?
• How much simulation is used?
• What happens if a clinical site cancels?

Cost and transfer

• What is the total program cost, not just tuition?
• Are books, uniforms, testing platforms, background checks, and health requirements included?
• Can ADN credits transfer into RN-to-BSN?
• Do you have formal RN-to-BSN partnerships?
• Do local employers offer tuition reimbursement after hire?

Suggested Arkansas shortlists by student goal

If you want the strongest 2025 BSN NCLEX signals

Start with:

• Arkansas Tech University
• Southern Arkansas University
• Ouachita Baptist University
• University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
• Arkansas State University
• Harding University

If you want a major clinical-hub experience

Compare:

• UAMS
• Baptist Health College Little Rock
• UA Little Rock
• University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
• Arkansas State University

If you want the strongest 2025 ADN NCLEX signals

Start with:

• Arkansas Tech University - Ozark
• UACC Morrilton
• Baptist Health College Little Rock
• ARNEC
• Arkansas Northeastern College
• North Arkansas College
• Jefferson Regional School of Nursing
• Ozarka College

If you want the lowest-cost RN route

Compare:

• Community-college ADN programs near you
• Hospital-based ADN/RN programs with strong outcomes
• LPN-to-RN bridge routes if you are already an LPN
• RN-to-BSN pathways after licensure

If you already have a bachelor’s degree

Compare:

• UAMS Accelerated BSN
• Arkansas State University Accelerated BSN
• Harding MEPN or second-degree routes
• Other second-degree BSN pathways, depending on current approval and location

If you are already an RN

Compare:

• UAMS RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MNSc
• University of Arkansas RN-to-BSN
• Arkansas State RN-to-BSN
• UA Little Rock RN-to-BSN
• University of Central Arkansas RN-to-BSN
• Arkansas Tech RN-to-BSN

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Arkansas

What is the best nursing school in Arkansas?

There is no single best program for every student. Arkansas Tech and Southern Arkansas University had 100% BSN pass rates in the 2025 ASBN table, and UAFS posted 97.5%. UAMS and University of Arkansas - Fayetteville remain major options because of clinical and university resources, but their 2025 NCLEX results were lower than some competitors. For ADN, Arkansas Tech - Ozark, UACC Morrilton, Baptist Health College Little Rock, and ARNEC had strong 2025 outcomes.

Which Arkansas BSN program had the highest 2025 NCLEX pass rate?

Arkansas Tech University, Southern Arkansas University, Ouachita Baptist University, and Harding University MEPN each posted 100% in the 2025 ASBN BSN/MEPN table. Cohort sizes differed, so compare both pass rate and number of testers.

Which Arkansas ADN program had the highest 2025 NCLEX pass rate?

Arkansas Tech University - Ozark posted 100% in the 2025 ASBN ADN table, with 31 of 31 first-time candidates passing.

Is UAMS the best nursing school in Arkansas?

UAMS is one of Arkansas’s most important nursing schools because it is tied to the state’s academic health sciences center and offers traditional, accelerated, RN-to-BSN, and graduate options. But the 2025 ASBN table lists UAMS at 89.4%, so applicants should compare outcomes, costs, and pathway fit rather than assuming UAMS is automatically the best choice.

Is University of Arkansas Fayetteville good for nursing?

University of Arkansas - Fayetteville may be a strong fit for students who want the flagship campus and Northwest Arkansas access. Its 2025 ASBN NCLEX pass rate was 86.8%, down from 93.1% in 2024, so applicants should review multi-year trends and ask about current NCLEX preparation.

Is Arkansas Tech good for nursing?

Arkansas Tech is a strong Arkansas nursing option by current NCLEX data. Its Russellville BSN program posted 100% in 2025, and ATU-Ozark posted 100% for ADN in 2025.

Does Arkansas have ADN programs?

Yes. Arkansas has many ADN or AAS-RN programs, including Arkansas Tech - Ozark, Baptist Health College Little Rock, UACC Morrilton, ARNEC, Arkansas Northeastern College, North Arkansas College, UA Little Rock, NWACC, and others listed by ASBN.

Should I choose ADN or BSN in Arkansas?

Choose ADN if cost and speed matter most and you have a clear RN-to-BSN plan. Choose BSN if you want broader long-term mobility, graduate school options, leadership opportunities, or competitive hospital pathways.

Is Arkansas a Nurse Licensure Compact state?

Yes. Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Eligible Arkansas residents may qualify for a multistate license if they meet uniform licensure requirements and Arkansas is their primary state of residence.

How much do registered nurses make in Arkansas?

O*NET’s BLS-based wage page lists Arkansas registered nurses at a median annual wage of $77,130 and a median hourly wage of $37.08, using 2024 wage data.

How do I become an RN in Arkansas?

Graduate from an ASBN-approved RN program, apply for RN initial licensure by examination through ASBN, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, complete required documentation and background-check steps, pass the NCLEX, and receive Arkansas RN licensure.

Are Arkansas nursing schools accredited?

Many Arkansas nursing programs are accredited by ACEN or CCNE, but students should verify the exact program and campus in the official accreditation directory. State board approval and nursing accreditation are separate checks.

What should I ask before applying?

Ask about ASBN approval, accreditation, NCLEX rates for the last three years, cohort size, completion rate, clinical sites, total cost, remediation, transfer options, and whether local employers hire graduates.

Final thoughts

Arkansas has more strong nursing pathways than many students realize.

If you want a BSN with the strongest current NCLEX signal, start with Arkansas Tech, Southern Arkansas, UAFS, Arkansas State, Harding, and Ouachita. If you want a clinical-hub or flagship experience, compare UAMS and University of Arkansas carefully, but do not ignore their newest ASBN results. If you want the lowest-cost RN route, Arkansas has several ADN programs worth serious attention.

The best Arkansas nursing school is the one that helps you finish, pass NCLEX, become licensed, manage debt, and move toward the nursing career you actually want.