Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Arizona
When it comes to places to enjoy a long nursing career, it’s tough to beat Arizona. With some of the hottest temperatures around the year and plenty of affordable housing, Arizona is an excellent state to put your roots down.
But before you can begin your nursing career in Arizona, you need to become a registered nurse (RN). And to get the best jobs, it’s smart to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). To maximize your chance of a job in Arizona, it’s best to study in the state to gain valuable connections and complete state-specific requirements.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Top Nursing Schools in Arizona
Each school has its own benefits and drawbacks. So, depending on what your short and long-term nursing goals are, one school can easily seem better than the rest. So, it’s best to compare each school to determine the best fit for your needs. Several of the schools on the list do not offer traditional BSN degrees but have exceptional ADN offerings or RN to BSN programs.
Methodology
This is a nurse panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,
- Reputation
- NCLEX pass rate
- Tuition
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
- Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
NAU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is slightly longer than standard degree paths. It takes four and a half years, which is nine semesters of study. However, NAU's high NCLEX pass rates and diverse BSN completion options make the extra half-year worth it. NAU also offers one of the top accelerated BSN programs in Arizona for students with a previous bachelor's degree.
The university also has an American Indian Program that admits 10 Native American students from federally recognized tribes each fall. This program showcases NAU's dedication to diversity and inclusion, making it a welcoming learning environment for everyone.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 20%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $460
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,096
- Address: 1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200, Flagstaff, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $63,364
Arizona College* has eight locations nationwide, but nursing students will likely study at the Tempe campus. The school offers an accelerated BSN program that students can complete in just three years.
However, the fast pace doesn't preclude Arizona College of Nursing from providing a quality nursing education. Recent graduates enjoy higher-than-average NCLEX pass rates, showcasing their comprehensive nursing education. Arizona College also extends its low tuition rates to every student, regardless of residency.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: N/A
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Address: 1620 West Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 110, Tempe, AZ
- Website*
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A
Arizona State University* has a national reputation as a party school and football powerhouse, but the sizable public school also has a local reputation for being an excellent place to earn an education. Although the university offers four BSN tracks, the traditional 4-year BSN is the most popular nursing degree.
ASU's nursing program also features a 45,000-square-foot nationally accredited state-of-the-art simulation center where students can practice their nursing skills. Regarding cost and success, ASU could easily be the best school for current Arizona residents.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 64%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $808
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,310
- Address: University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ
- Website*
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Recently in the news for once again honoring their tuition freezes for the 14th consecutive year, Grand Canyon University is dedicated to helping individuals find their future career purpose. A great school to earn an online degree, GCU also has a beautiful campus near downtown Phoenix.
Grand Canyon University's most popular nursing programs are the traditional BSN and the online RN to BSN. In 2021, GCU surpassed both Arizona and national averages for the NCLEX exam. With fantastic scores and a long history in the Phoenix area for over 70 consecutive years, GCU has proven to be a tough competitor against other popular state schools.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 76%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $461
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $461
- Address: 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $77,476
If you're familiar with the University of Phoenix, you know that this Arizona-based school offers almost all its courses online. However, it’s regionally accredited and, while not the most glamorous school to attend, is completely legitimate (and affordable).
Because they only offer courses online, a traditional BSN isn’t possible. However, the University of Phoenix does offer an online RN to BSN program for current registered nurses. There are frequent start dates, and courses typically run 5 to 8 weeks in length.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 100%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Address: 4035 South Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 42%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $88,250
In terms of affordability, Pima Medical Institute is an excellent choice. Courses in their BSN program have a flat rate, so it’s easy to budget for an exact tuition cost. However, it is worth knowing that Prima Medical Institute does not offer a traditional BSN.
Instead, students must have already become RNs to enroll in their RN to BSN program. This is obviously not for nursing students without experience, but current RNs can benefit from this flexible program. The program is typically 16 months long for those who follow the outline.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 66%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Address: 2121 N Craycroft Road, Bldg 1, Tucson, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $60,933
With a high NCLEX pass rate and low in-state tuition, the University of Arizona's BSN program has it all. However, it may be more difficult to get into than other schools on this list. In addition to the high competition, UA's BSN has strict admissions requirements, further narrowing students' eligibility for the program.
Fortunately, UA's quality justifies its exclusivity. Admitted students enjoy the Integrative Health Program, which blends conventional medicine with complementary approaches to mind, body, spirit, and well-being.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 19%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $801
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,485
- Address: 1401 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $64,617
As a community college, GCC does not offer a baccalaureate nursing program. Instead, it offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, qualifying graduates to take the NCLEX exam and become registered nurses.
Despite not offering a BSN, GCC is worth considering. As part of the larger Maricopa Community College, students can choose from eight convenient campus locations across Arizona. Additionally, the program has exceedingly low tuition rates, making nursing a more accessible career to students on a budget.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 5%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $85
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $326
- Address: 6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $60,025
Brookline has four campuses in the American Southwest, three of which offer registered nursing programs. Although we highlight the Phoenix campus on this list, students may also earn a BSN at Brookline's Tucson or Albuquerque locations.
The 36-month BSN program offers NCLEX pass assistance and flexible online learning options. Brookline College has no wait list or delayed acceptance, allowing students to start their nursing education immediately.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 29%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Address: 2445 W. Dunlap Ave., Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,146
10. Cochise College
Cochise offers one of the most affordable RN degrees in Arizona. Although the school does not offer a BSN degree, ADN students enjoy incredibly low in-state tuition and plentiful scholarship opportunities each year.
Cochise College's AAS in Nursing is a two-year program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is highly regarded as one of the best AAS nursing programs in the state, and local employers trust Cochise nursing graduates. Students must pass the TEAS entrance exam to qualify for this highly competitive nursing school.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 31%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $91
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $250
- Address: 901 N Colombo Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $57,047
Arizona Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
- Nurses employed in Arizona make an annual mean wage of $81,600, higher than the national mean annual wage.
- Arizona also has more nurses per capita than other states in the area, such as California and Texas.
Next Steps
After you’ve decided on the best nursing school(s) for your needs, the next step is to begin your applications.
-
Contact the admissions office at each school you’re interested in. Each school has its own standards, and you may be required to take specific courses, engage in extracurricular activities, or volunteer to be eligible to apply for a school.
-
Inquire about the nursing program requirements for admission - it’s worth noting that nursing programs often have additional requirements for admission. So, even though you may get accepted into a college, you may not have satisfied the needs to apply for the nursing program. Some or all of these prerequisites can be completed during your college career prior to applying to the nursing program.
-
Collect all the materials you need to apply. Most colleges require one or two letters of recommendation, along with your high school transcript. If the nursing program has required paperwork that needs to be completed prior to applying to the college, it’s best to complete that now, too.
If you feel lost or confused at any stage in the process, don’t worry. Every school has a different process, and the admissions office will help you through your application.
Generally speaking, materials you need to submit include:
- High school transcript (GPA)
- ACT and/or SAT scores
- College entrance essay(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
If choosing the right nursing school came down to one factor, then nobody would care about the rest. With that in mind, you shouldn’t choose a nursing school just because it has a high NCLEX pass rate or a high acceptance rate. Consider multiple factors prior to choosing your school, including:
- Annual tuition and total nursing program cost
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
- Cost of living on-campus or in the area
- Distance from hospitals
- School and nursing program acceptance rate
- NCLEX pass rate
- Type of program (BSN or associate degree)
- Program outcomes
- School’s accreditation (regional and national)
You should also check to see that schools are offering exactly what you’re looking for. Remember, the program you choose could alter the trajectory of your future nursing career.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation
Nursing students who complete their studies at a non-accredited university will not be able to sit for the NCLEX. Therefore, they will face immense challenges in securing stable, well-paying jobs. Why? Because students who do not take the NCLEX are not eligible to work as Registered Nurses.
The two nursing program accrediting organizations are,
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
These accrediting bodies ensure that all accredited nursing programs adhere to the same standards and criteria.
Getting a License in Arizona
The good news is that Arizona has fewer requirements to become a registered nurse than most other states. It’s also part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), meaning a nursing license in Arizona is sufficient to be a nurse in roughly 37 other states.
However, you still must:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Complete a criminal background check
- Complete the Arizona nursing application
Nursing students should also know that Arizona has one of the nation’s highest NCLEX pass rates. The best way to prepare for the NCLEX is by applying for, then completing, a BSN.
>> Related: The Complete Guide to Nursing in Arizona
Conclusion
While Arizona might not have as many nursing school options as other states, the schools they have more than adequately prepare nurses for a long, successful career. Arizona is and should continue to be a great place to enjoy a nursing career - thanks to high wages and stable employment.
For an affordable nursing degree – particularly for those who already live in-state – Arizona is a great place to study!
References:
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