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Arkansas nursing programs deliver strong returns with graduates earning between $54,331 and $78,971, while many schools keep net costs below $17,000. University of Arkansas Grantham stands out with graduates earning $78,971 despite a modest $9,325 net price, creating an strong value proposition. The state's healthcare market benefits from major employers like Baptist Health and Arkansas Children's Hospital, plus the growing demand from Walmart's corporate workforce and logistics operations. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Arkansas Tech offering solid preparation at just $12,171 net cost while maintaining a 48.70% graduation rate. Private options like Harding University achieve 70.90% graduation rates but carry higher debt loads averaging $29,000. Arkansas's low cost of living amplifies these earnings, making nursing education particularly affordable compared to coastal states.
15
Programs
$5,144 – $22,355
Net Price Range
$61,314
Avg. Program Earnings
48.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,325 $78,971 $8,280 24.3%
2 $10,097 $61,681 $6,906 37.0%
3 $12,171 $57,955 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
4 $13,085 $58,142 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
5 $16,136 $70,536 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
6 $14,013 $54,331 $8,868 43.3%
7 $16,775 $58,842 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
8 $15,944 $55,151 $9,820 46.5% 63.6%
9 $17,525 $59,308 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
10 $20,579 $58,221 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%
11 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
12 $16,929 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
13 $21,144 $30,832 66.8% 56.6%
14 $5,144 $2,570 20.7%
15 $22,355 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Arkansas Grantham such a strong value for nursing students?

Grantham nursing graduates earn $78,971 annually while paying just $9,325 in net costs, creating the highest earnings-to-cost ratio among Arkansas nursing programs. The program maintains affordability through its online format and efficient delivery model. However, the 24.30% graduation rate suggests students need strong self-discipline to succeed in this format.

How do public versus private nursing programs compare in Arkansas for value?

Public programs offer superior value with net costs ranging from $5,144 to $17,525, while private schools cost $20,579 to $22,355. Private programs like Harding achieve higher graduation rates at 70.90% but saddle graduates with $29,000 in debt. Public school graduates typically carry $15,286 to $21,222 in debt, making their strong earnings more impactful for long-term financial health.

Does Arkansas's job market support nursing career growth and salary potential?

Arkansas nursing salaries reach up to $78,971, competitive given the state's low cost of living where housing costs remain well below national averages. Major healthcare systems like Baptist Health and UAMS create advancement opportunities in administration and research roles. The state's corporate presence, including Walmart's 2.3 million employees worldwide, generates demand for occupational health and corporate wellness nursing positions.

Where can students find the most affordable nursing education in Arkansas?

Arkansas Northeastern College offers the lowest net cost at $5,144, though the 20.70% graduation rate indicates completion challenges. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith provides strong value at $10,097 net cost with a more encouraging 37.00% graduation rate. Arkansas Tech University balances affordability at $12,171 with solid outcomes including a 48.70% graduation rate and $57,955 average earnings.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.