Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas Northeastern College delivers the state's most affordable nursing education at just $5,144 net cost, creating an unusual $17,211 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs. This dramatic price spread reflects Arkansas's mix of rural community colleges and established four-year institutions serving different student populations. The state's healthcare sector benefits from major employers like Arkansas Children's Hospital and Baptist Health, creating steady demand for nursing graduates across all specializations from bedside care to administrative leadership. Most programs cluster in the $10,000-$17,000 range, with public universities like Arkansas State and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offering strong value propositions. University of Arkansas Grantham stands out among affordable options with $78,971 median earnings, nearly $20,000 above typical graduate salaries. The combination of low educational costs and Arkansas's below-average cost of living makes nursing degrees particularly attractive investments for students planning to work in-state.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Arkansas Northeastern College Blytheville, Arkansas	$5,144	$2,570	20.7%
2	University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, Arkansas	$9,325	$8,280	24.3%
3	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, Arkansas	$10,097	$6,906	37.0%
4	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679	$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
5	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
6	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
7	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013	$8,868	43.3%
8	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944	$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
9	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
10	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
11	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929	$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
12	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
13	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
14	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144	$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
15	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355	$32,480	70.3%	72.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Arkansas nursing programs?

Arkansas Northeastern College's $5,144 net cost reflects its community college model and rural location in Blytheville, while private institutions like Ouachita Baptist reach $22,355. Public universities fill the middle ground, with most ranging from $10,097 to $17,525 net cost. The $17,211 spread between cheapest and most expensive gives students significant choice in balancing affordability against program features.

How do Arkansas nursing graduate earnings compare across different price points?

University of Arkansas Grantham produces the highest-earning graduates at $78,971 median salary despite its relatively low $9,325 net cost. Most programs generate median earnings between $54,331 and $61,681, suggesting that program cost doesn't directly predict graduate income. University of Arkansas at Little Rock also outperforms expectations with $70,536 earnings at $16,136 net cost.

Where do Arkansas nursing students face the lowest debt burdens?

Henderson State University graduates carry just $15,286 in median debt, the lowest among schools reporting debt data. Arkansas Tech follows closely at $17,650 median debt with strong 48.7% graduation rates. Most public programs keep debt under $21,000, while private schools like Harding and John Brown push median debt to $29,000.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Arkansas nursing schools?

The most expensive programs generally achieve higher completion rates, with Harding University reaching 70.9% graduation despite $20,579 net cost. However, University of Arkansas proves affordable programs can succeed too, graduating 70% of students at $17,525 net cost. Arkansas Northeastern's 20.7% rate reflects typical community college transfer patterns rather than program quality.

More Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Rankings

Best Value Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing in Arkansas Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Under $20,000 in Arkansas

All Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs Best Colleges in Arkansas Best Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing in Arkansas

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