Best Online Nursing Programs in Arkansas (2026)

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Arkansas Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$103,986
Salary OutlookArkansas offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyArkansas Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Arkansas offers a flexible path into nursing careers. Arkansas offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Arkansas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Arkansas

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Arkansas.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR BOC Score 90.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 83%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $73,827
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR BOC Score 63.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 43%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $41,102
Avg net price $10,574/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 71%
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR BOC Score 58.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 49%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $41,766
Avg net price $12,970/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$8,674
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$14,668
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 73%
  • Programs offered: 96

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Baptist Health College Little Rock

Little Rock, AR BOC Score 58.6
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 80%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,244
Avg net price $25,454/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Northwest Technical Institute

Springdale, AR BOC Score 53.8
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 73%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $41,513
Avg net price $15,992/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

De Queen, AR BOC Score 41.7
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 42%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $33,775
Avg net price $4,385/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 31

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

Mena, AR BOC Score 40.1
  • 2 year
Graduation rate 51%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $30,037
Avg net price $4,842/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 29

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Arkansas

Nursing professionals in Arkansas experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Arkansas.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Arkansas)
Registered Nurse$78,940
Licensed Practical Nurse$56,620
Nurse Anesthetist$224,280
Nurse Practitioner$125,660
Nursing Assistant$34,430

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Arkansas?

Choosing a program in Arkansas can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Arkansas offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Arkansas Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Arkansas accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Nursing pay in Arkansas compare to other states?

Arkansas offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Arkansas a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Arkansas. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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