Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas

Originally a private school, Henderson State University has since become public and earned a reputation as Arkansas's public liberal arts university. While liberal arts might not interest nursing students, each nursing degree is offered through the Ellis College of Arts and Sciences. Options for study include an on-campus BSN, an online RN-BSN, and an online master's of science in nursing (MSN). Henderson State's nursing school has been growing over the past decade, with the number of graduates jumping from 9 in 2015 to 31 in 2021. Historically, graduates obtain 100% employment within three months of graduation.

Based in Conway, the University of Central Arkansas blends a large-school atmosphere with a small-school education. The impressive 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio is uncharacteristic of a school with over 10,000 students -- and these small class sizes could be one reason nurses do so well on the NCLEX.

UCA's nursing program is one of the largest in the state, and while transfer students can enter the two-year BSN program, preference is given to students who complete their first two years of schooling at UCA. An impressive 90% of UCA nursing graduates are employed in Arkansas after graduation. 

The University of Arkansas is the premier school in the University of Arkansas system. Considered one of the top public schools in the nation, U of A is a go-to destination for students interested in many different careers -- including nursing.

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing has three main options: a traditional BSN, an online RN to BSN, and an LPN to BSN. This is by far the largest nursing program in the state, as 208 students graduated from the BSN program in 2022. U of A is a large school, but the sheer size of the nursing program could increase your chances of being accepted. 

Over half of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith's students come from Sebastian and Crawford counties, but UAFS is working to change that. The in-state tuition is extended to residents of Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, so UAFS could be an affordable option for some regional students.

The potential low tuition cost also attracts nursing students as the BSN program has nearly doubled in size over the past five years. UAFS's NCELX pass rates aren't the best in Arkansas, but tuition discounts could make this degree worth it to some border-state students.

The tuition at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is based per credit hour which can make a difference for some students. It also is higher than most other nursing programs on this list but it is one of the best medical sciences institutions in the region. 

The nursing school currently has 590 students spread across multiple programs, the largest of which is the BSN program. Nurses who currently have a BSN can enroll in the BSN-DNP, BSN-PhD, or MSN as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or nursing administrators. UAMS College of Nursing’s BSN Program is currently ranked 67th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Located in the small town of Searcy (about an hour northeast of Little Rock), Harding University offers a private education and small-school atmosphere. Harding is affiliated with the churches of Christ, though many of the 4,800 students are non-religious or don't follow the same religion.

Founded in 1975, Harding University's Carr College of Nursing has had decades to develop into the nursing powerhouse it is today. Graduates routinely excel on the NCLEX, and all BSN graduates from 2016-2018 passed the NCLEX. From 2019-2022, the NCLEX pass rate was over 94%. 

Money Magazine ranked John Brown University number one in best value among private universities in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Texas. The small school has just over 2,100 students, and its most popular degree is the nursing program.

The BSN is a relatively new program, and graduates only started taking the NCLEX in 2018. The good news is that pass rates have never dipped below 90%, a good sign for the future of this program.  

As the second-largest university in Arkansas, Arkansas State University is a common destination for many Arkansas residents. Located in Jonesboro, the campus is spread over 1,376 acres, leaving plenty of room for the 14,000 students to roam and enjoy.

A-State offers nursing students a traditional BSN, an online RN-to-BSN, and an accelerated BSN option. Depending on their education and career goals, students may also complete an AASN, LPN-BSN, MSN, or DNP degree. The school offers one of the easiest MSN online programs to get into, making it an excellent option for students pursuing APRN credentials.

Arkansas Tech University has locations across the Arkansas River Valley, though the main campus is in Russellville. The Department of Nursing is also based in Russellville, so students earning a traditional BSN will study at the home campus. Arkansas Tech's nursing program has improved over time, and NCLEX pass rates have reflected the improved quality of education. Aside from the traditional BSN, nursing students can complete an online RN-BSN, LPN-BSN, or MSN. It's also worth noting that, students from states bordering Arkansas are eligible to waive the out-of-state tuition and earn in-state tuition, so ATU could be an affordable option for many students. 

Southern Arkansas University prides itself on its quiet town of Magnolia, near the Louisiana border. With a large campus and just 3,160 students, SAU provides a unique college atmosphere. The quiet and tranquility should be perfect for students completing their BSN.

This 120-credit-hour program has excellent outcomes, and every recent grad passed the NCLEX to become an RN. Current RNs can take advantage of SAU's low tuition and complete their BSN through the online RN-BSN.