15 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
|
$11,024 | $53,064 | $11,990 | 54.0% | 95.7% |
| 2 |
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
|
$13,869 | $54,382 | $9,792 | 46.8% | 94.8% |
| 3 |
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
|
$14,850 | $57,874 | $12,426 | 51.1% | 78.5% |
| 4 |
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
|
$15,142 | $55,598 | $9,676 | 52.6% | 65.4% |
| 5 |
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
|
$14,596 | $53,269 | $9,436 | 35.7% | 92.2% |
| 6 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
|
$17,727 | $55,753 | $8,832 | 62.4% | 86.7% |
| 7 |
University of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama
|
$19,603 | $53,984 | $26,120 | 55.5% | 84.1% |
| 8 |
South University-Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
|
$25,157 | $66,883 | $18,238 | 15.4% | |
| 9 |
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
|
$22,150 | $56,459 | $11,900 | 73.7% | 80.1% |
| 10 |
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama
|
$19,880 | $50,554 | $11,770 | 61.9% | 78.1% |
| 11 |
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
|
$23,897 | $57,082 | $12,536 | 79.2% | 43.7% |
| 12 |
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, Alabama
|
$32,977 | $59,124 | $23,440 | 57.1% | 29.7% |
| 13 |
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
|
$30,795 | $54,948 | $38,144 | 79.9% | 83.3% |
| 14 |
Oakwood University
Huntsville, Alabama
|
$23,384 | $21,838 | 49.9% | 68.1% | |
| 15 |
Spring Hill College
Mobile, Alabama
|
$19,514 | $23,270 | 56.1% | 72.6% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the $21,859 salary difference between the highest and lowest earning nursing programs?
South University-Montgomery graduates earn $66,883 compared to UAH graduates at $50,554, reflecting specialization differences and geographic factors. South University focuses on accelerated programs that often attract career-changers with prior healthcare experience. UAH serves more traditional students entering general nursing roles. Geographic location also matters, with Montgomery-area graduates often securing higher-paying administrative positions in state government healthcare facilities.
How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Alabama nursing schools?
Auburn University combines the highest graduation rate at 79.2% with moderate costs of $23,897, while Auburn Montgomery shows just 35.7% graduation despite lower $14,596 costs. Samford University achieves 79.9% graduation rates but charges $30,795 annually. The data suggests that mid-tier pricing around $20,000-$25,000 often delivers optimal outcomes, balancing resource investment with student success.
Is the Alabama Student Grant Program sufficient to make private nursing programs competitive?
Even with state aid, private programs remain significantly more expensive than public alternatives. University of Mobile charges $19,603 net cost compared to similar-quality public options under $15,000. Tuskegee University's $32,977 cost nearly triples that of University of North Alabama. Private programs must justify costs through specialized facilities, smaller class sizes, or unique clinical partnerships that public universities cannot match.
Where do Alabama nursing graduates find the best return on investment?
Jacksonville State University delivers strong value with $57,874 graduate earnings against just $14,850 net costs, creating a 3.9:1 earnings-to-cost ratio. UAB follows closely with $55,753 earnings for $17,727 costs. These programs benefit from strong clinical partnerships with major Alabama health systems. Rural-serving programs like Troy University offer lower costs but slightly reduced earning potential, making them ideal for students planning community-based nursing careers.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.