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University of North Alabama offers nursing students the lowest net price at $11,024, while South University-Montgomery graduates earn the highest salaries at $66,883 annually. This $21,859 earnings gap reflects the varied career paths within nursing education, from clinical practice to administrative leadership roles. Alabama's growing healthcare sector, supported by major medical centers like UAB Hospital and the aerospace medicine programs at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, creates demand for nurses trained in both traditional patient care and specialized research applications. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six schools offering net prices below $20,000. Troy University combines value with accessibility through a 94.84% acceptance rate and $13,869 net cost. The state's nursing programs prepare graduates for roles ranging from direct patient care to nursing administration positions within Alabama's expanding manufacturing and aerospace industries, where occupational health expertise becomes increasingly valuable.
15
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$56,075
Avg. Program Earnings
55.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

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

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
3 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
4 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
5 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
6 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
7 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
8 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
9 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
10 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
11 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
12 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
13 $25,157 $18,238 15.4%
14 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
15 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $21,859 difference in earnings between nursing programs?

South University-Montgomery graduates earn $66,883 annually compared to $50,554 at University of Alabama in Huntsville, reflecting program focus and career pathways. Research-focused programs often lead to administrative and specialized clinical roles with higher compensation. Administrative nursing positions in Alabama's major healthcare systems typically offer salaries above the state average. The earnings gap also reflects geographic factors, with metropolitan areas offering higher nursing salaries.

How do public university nursing programs compare in affordability?

Seven public universities offer nursing programs with net prices ranging from $11,024 at University of North Alabama to $23,897 at Auburn University. Most public options cost under $20,000 annually, with Troy University at $13,869 and Auburn Montgomery at $14,596 providing strong value. In-state tuition rates make these programs particularly accessible, with several schools charging under $12,000 for residents. Public programs typically offer the best return on investment for Alabama nursing students.

Is the 15.40% graduation rate at South University-Montgomery concerning?

South University-Montgomery's 15.40% graduation rate contrasts sharply with the 79.90% rate at Samford University and 79.20% at Auburn University. This significant difference reflects varying program structures and student support systems across institutions. Despite the low completion rate, graduates earn the highest salaries in the state at $66,883 annually. Students should carefully evaluate program support services and completion requirements when comparing nursing schools.

Where can nursing students find the best combination of affordability and outcomes?

University of Alabama at Birmingham offers strong value with a $17,727 net price, 62.40% graduation rate, and $55,753 average earnings for graduates. Jacksonville State University provides another solid option at $14,850 with a 51.10% graduation rate and $57,874 in earnings. The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa combines affordability at $22,150 with the highest graduation rate among public schools at 73.70%. These schools balance cost, completion rates, and career outcomes effectively.

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