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Arkansas Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$81,608
National ComparisonArkansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 25.9% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyArkansas Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Arkansas offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Arkansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 25.9% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Arkansas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top 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: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#2

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$8,508
Out‑of‑state$14,502
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 61

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$8,868
Out‑of‑state$14,718
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Beebe, AR In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$3,216
Out‑of‑state$5,040
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 39

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

North Little Rock, AR In-state option
  • 2 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 67

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege 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$77,130
Licensed Practical Nurse$51,030
Nurse Anesthetist$134,230
Nurse Practitioner$113,660
Nursing Assistant$31,990

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 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?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Arkansas, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Arkansas compare to other states?

Arkansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 25.9% below the national trend. 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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