Rankings / By State

Best Nursing Colleges in Arkansas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 18 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$47,216

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

50%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$15,776

Avg. Net Price

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When considering a nursing program in Arkansas, prospective students have a variety of schools to weigh. With nursing careers projected to grow significantly, choosing the right college can set the foundation for a rewarding profession. In this list, we focus on the best nursing colleges in the state, which are distinguished by their strong outcomes and specialized programs.

The schools ranked here stand out due to key factors like earnings after graduation, graduation rates, average debt, and the ability to promote upward mobility. These metrics provide a comprehensive picture of what students can expect from their educational investment. Below, you can see how each program measures up, helping you assess the best fit for your goals.

For instance, NorthWest Arkansas Community College has an impressive graduation rate of 29% with earnings averaging $43,505, while Arkansas State University-Beebe offers a better graduation rate of 40% but lower earnings at $36,603. This contrast highlights the trade-offs to consider as you explore your options.

Key Findings

NorthWest Arkansas Community College has an average earnings of $43,505, but only a 29% graduation rate.

Arkansas State University has the highest graduation rate at 55%, with average earnings of $42,617.

Graduates from these programs have an average debt of $20,500, contributing to long-term financial decisions.

The average graduation rate across the top nursing colleges is 50%, indicating room for improvement in program completion.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 18

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,216

Avg. graduation rate 50%

Avg. net price $15,776

Avg. median debt $20,234

How We Ranked

Nursing programs in Arkansas ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR

Graduation29%

Earnings$43,505

Net Price$7,196

View full profile →

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR

Graduation49%

Earnings$41,766

Net Price$12,970

View full profile →

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR

Graduation42%

Earnings$45,265

Net Price$17,248

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR · 4,953 students · Public

With nearly 5,000 students, NorthWest Arkansas Community College is a hub of opportunity in Bentonville. The community-focused environment helps students build connections while working toward their degrees, making it a welcoming place for those looking to enter the workforce or continue their education.

29% graduate $43,505 earnings

NorthWest's full profile

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · 5,388 students · Public

At Arkansas Tech University, students benefit from a larger campus environment with nearly 5,400 peers, which fosters diverse interactions and experiences. The 49% graduation rate is encouraging, and the 96% acceptance rate means that many students can find a place here, making it a viable option for a broad range of applicants.

96% accepted 49% graduate $41,766 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · 4,949 students · Public

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock serves a diverse student body of nearly 5,000 individuals and offers a unique urban experience. With a graduation rate of 42%, students here have access to numerous resources and programs that can help them succeed in their studies and career pursuits.

59% accepted 42% graduate $45,265 earnings

University's full profile

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · 9,110 students · Public

With over 9,100 students, Arkansas State University in Jonesboro provides a nurturing environment where many students find their path to success. The university has a strong focus on community engagement, and about 38% of its student body receives Pell Grants, indicating its commitment to accessible education for low-income students.

82% accepted 55% graduate $42,617 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · 7,762 students · Public

The University of Central Arkansas in Conway serves approximately 7,762 students, providing a welcoming atmosphere for those ready to pursue their academic ambitions. The school has a graduation rate of 53%, which may signal a need for strong support systems, but it also highlights the challenge many students face in completing their degrees.

89% accepted 53% graduate $45,938 earnings

University's full profile

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,602 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University is a private nonprofit institution with a close-knit community of around 1,600 students. Its emphasis on a Christian-centered education and strong academic programs helps many students reach their goals, reflected in a graduation rate of 66%.

68% accepted 66% graduate $51,673 earnings

Ouachita's full profile

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR · 767 students · Private nonprofit

University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR, presents an inviting atmosphere for students, particularly those seeking a close-knit community with personalized attention. The graduation rate of 52% may raise some eyebrows, but it also tells a story of resilience, with many students finding their path at their own pace. The median earnings of $44,384 a decade after graduation suggest that graduates can find meaningful work in various sectors, including education and social services.

60% accepted 52% graduate $44,384 earnings

University's full profile

Hendrix College

Conway, AR · 1,100 students · Private nonprofit

Hendrix College in Conway, AR, is known for its liberal arts focus and a graduation rate of 71%, indicating strong student support and engagement. The median earnings of $60,376 after ten years show that its graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, often landing jobs in competitive fields such as healthcare, technology, and education. The college fosters a culture of academic excellence and personal growth, making it a compelling choice for motivated students.

56% accepted 71% graduate $60,376 earnings

Hendrix's full profile

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,456 students · Public

Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR, provides an accessible education to a diverse student population, with an acceptance rate of 46%. Despite a graduation rate of only 38%, the school offers a wide array of programs that cater to various interests, allowing students to explore different paths. The median earnings of $43,459 a decade after graduation indicate that graduates can find opportunities, particularly in fields such as education and business.

38% graduate $43,459 earnings

Henderson's full profile

#10

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · 28,677 students · Public

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is home to nearly 28,700 students and a vibrant campus life that fosters academic and personal growth. Known for its strong academic programs, the university boasts a graduation rate of 70%, which speaks to its supportive learning environment that many students thrive in.

74% accepted 70% graduate $58,191 earnings

University's full profile

#11

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR · 1,471 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 69%, John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR, is a place where students can find a supportive community while pursuing their academic goals. The median earnings of $53,907 ten years after graduation reflect the strong preparation students receive, particularly in fields like business and education, which aligns with the university's mission of developing ethical leaders.

76% accepted 69% graduate $53,907 earnings

Harding University

Searcy, AR · 3,382 students · Private nonprofit

Harding University in Searcy, AR, is a private nonprofit institution where approximately 3,382 students pursue higher education. With a graduation rate of 70%, the school maintains a nurturing environment that encourages academic success and personal growth, making it an appealing choice for students seeking a close-knit community.

71% accepted 70% graduate $52,876 earnings

Harding's full profile

#13

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Beebe, AR · 1,986 students · Public

Arkansas State University-Beebe has a small, tight-knit community with around 2,000 students, making it an ideal choice for those who thrive in a more personalized educational setting. The 40% graduation rate reflects a commitment to student success, and many students find the supportive environment helps them stay on track toward their goals.

40% graduate $36,603 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

#14

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR · 1,807 students · Public

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, with its diverse student body of 1,807, provides an engaging public university experience. It has a rich history of serving underrepresented groups, with 70% of students receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its commitment to accessibility and inclusion in higher education.

41% accepted 40% graduate $35,550 earnings

University's full profile

#15

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR · 2,833 students · Public

The University of Arkansas Grantham, located in Little Rock, AR, enrolls about 2,833 students and offers a unique public education experience. Despite a graduation rate of only 32%, the school achieves impressive median earnings of $63,496 for graduates within a decade, highlighting its focus on preparing students for lucrative careers in various fields.

32% graduate $63,496 earnings

University's full profile

#16

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · 4,091 students · Public

Located in Fort Smith, AR, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith serves around 4,091 students in a public setting. While the graduation rate stands at 37%, the university emphasizes accessibility, evident in its high acceptance rate of 80%. This environment can be ideal for students who may need a little extra support as they navigate their higher education journey.

80% accepted 37% graduate $41,102 earnings

University's full profile

#17

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · 2,708 students · Public

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia serves about 2,708 students in a welcoming public environment. With a graduation rate of 48%, the university nurtures a diverse student body and aims to support those who might thrive in a smaller, community-focused setting, where personal attention is prioritized.

75% accepted 48% graduate $42,386 earnings

Southern's full profile

#18

Central Baptist College

Conway, AR · 484 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Conway, Arkansas, Central Baptist College is a private nonprofit institution with a close-knit community of about 484 students. With 40% of its students receiving Pell Grants, the college focuses on making education accessible and supportive, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

63% accepted 35% graduate $46,789 earnings

Central's full profile

Looking closely at the data, we see a clear pattern that sets schools apart in this ranking. Arkansas Tech University, with a graduation rate of 49%, has average earnings of $41,766, while Arkansas State University at Beebe, with a graduation rate of 40%, lags behind in earnings at $36,603. This suggests that while both schools are viable options, Arkansas Tech University may provide a better return on investment for students who prioritize post-graduation earnings.

As you sift through these rankings, consider your own priorities. Think about factors such as your financial situation, campus culture, and the specific nursing programs offered. Make a list of what matters most to you. For instance, if minimizing debt is crucial, you might want to focus on schools with lower net prices, even if that means a potentially lower graduation rate.

Ultimately, the decision you make about which nursing college to attend can have a lasting impact on your future. These programs can pave the way to stable employment in a high-demand field. Every student’s journey is unique, and the choices we make now shape our lives ahead. A thorough assessment of these schools can lead to a more informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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