Best Nursing Schools in Alabama in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

The nationwide demand for nurses shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, nursing job growth is increasing more than twice as fast as other job sectors. The demand for skilled nurses has increased year after year, particularly since most U.S. hospitals now require staff nurses to at least have a BSN degree.

To help provide nurses to meet this demand, we’ve created lists of the best BSN programs in the country. In this segment, we’ve ranked the best nursing schools in Alabama. The best programs will cover a broad range of curricula, including research skills, clinical experience, community health topics, and health promotion, as well as leadership and managerial skills. With a formal nursing education, many nurses hold prominent positions within community hospitals and other settings and usually work their way up to hold important leadership roles. From nursing programs in Montgomery to nursing schools in Birmingham, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

The Best nursing schools in Alabama

1. Spring Hill College

The Spring Hill College baccalaureate program in nursing (RN to BSN) in Mobile, Alabama includes courses in nursing science as well as humanities, behavioral science, and natural science. Through their small class sizes, the college educates nurses to be global citizens to bring their expertise into their communities. The school also offers an MSN in nursing.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• Program length or credit hours: 126 credit hours
• Admission requirements: Minimum ACT score of 23
• Tuition: not available
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Coastal Alabama Community College

Coastal Alabama Community College’s main campus is located in Bay Minette, AL. They concentrate on offering quality, low cost, accessible higher education, and technical training opportunities for their communities.  Coastal Alabama continues to grow its reputation for workforce development in its growing programs.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• Program length or credit hours:
• Admission requirements: Minimum ACT score of 18
• Tuition: $4,800 per year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is a public university in Florence, Alabama that offers an RN to BSN program, a BSN and an MSN masters in nursing. Class sizes are small with a ratio of 20:1. The school offers both a traditional BSN in nursing as well as an accelerated option. Enrollment is spring and fall each semester.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.8%
• Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
• Admission requirements: Minimum 2.8 GPA with some prerequisite courses
• Tuition: $8,114 per year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB offers RN to BSN and RN to MSN degrees, as well as several other master’s and doctoral degree options.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.7%
• Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
• Admission requirements: High school degree; other requirements vary
• Tuition: $421 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

5. University of South Alabama

USA in Mobile offers a BSN in nursing (including RN to BSN), as well as a master’s degree program in nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice program and a post-graduate APRN certificate program. Online degree programs are offered for working nurses, as well as a traditional on-campus program. The school has a state of the art simulation and lab facilities.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.4%
• Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
• Admission requirements: High school degree; other requirements vary
• Tuition: $378 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

6. Tuskegee University

The Tuskegee University Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  After completion of degree requirements, graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse (RN).

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5%
• Program length or credit hours: not available
• Admission requirements: Requirements vary
• Tuition: $9,605 per semester
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

7. University of Mobile

The University of Mobile offers RN to BSN as well as traditional and accelerated BSN degrees, Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. The program structure is online to allow working nurses to continue with family and work schedules while advancing education.

• Program length or credit hours: not available
• Admission requirements: Minimum 2.75 GPA in previous coursework
• Tuition: $505 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

8. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers a BSN and RN to BSN program as well as numerous masters and doctoral programs in nursing via its Capstone College of Nursing (CCN). CCN welcomes freshmen, transfer students, and second-degree students. The college is also committed to providing accessible educational options for registered nurses who want to return to school. Students have the opportunity to be mentored by nursing faculty, and classes are designed for individualized attention from instructors in classes, labs, and clinical settings.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.4%
• Program length or credit hours: 125 credit hours
• Admission requirements: Requirements vary
• Tuition: $10,870 per year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

9. Troy University

The Troy University School of Nursing consists of the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Additionally, the School of Nursing offers the RN Mobility track for registered nurses who seek to complete the BSN degree.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.2%
• Program length or credit hours: 124 credit hours
• Admission requirements: Requirements vary
• Tuition: $325 per credit hour
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

10. Samford University Ida Moffett School of Nursing

Samford offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing with a mission is to nurture students while providing a quality education in a Christian environment. The goal of Samford is to prepare caring, competent and compassionate graduates with a commitment to service, scholarship, lifelong learning, and professional practice.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.82%
• Program length or credit hours:6 semesters to complete
• Admission requirements: Requirements vary
• Tuition: $42,200 per year
• Accreditation Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

11. Auburn University

Auburn University offers traditional BSN and RN to BSN completion programs. The curriculum is based on six core skills: communication and collaboration skills, professional nursing practice, effective client and family teaching, NS workplace and organizational communication and conflict resolution.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.9%
• Program length or credit hours: 124 credit hours
• Admission requirements: Completion of all but 22 pre-requisite nursing courses, and completion of 3 of 5 required science courses
• Tuition: $15,530 per year
• Accreditation Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

12. Jacksonville State University

The Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN, a one-year RN to BSN completion program and a 100% online MSN degree. The school has class sizes of 18:1 ratio

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.9%
• Program length or credit hours: 124 credit hours
• Admission requirements: Requirements vary
• Tuition: $309 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

13. Auburn University – Montgomery

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is dedicated to delivering instruction and hands-on learning that balances the fundamentals with the cutting edge. The school leverages its relationships with regional medical and healthcare providers to create opportunities for graduates. The College of Nursing and Health Science recognizes that online education is the right option for busy professionals. They offer an RN to BSN fully online program, the Medical Clinical Laboratory Science online program and the graduate nursing programs that are fully online.  The right answer is AUM where an online program is one click away.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.3%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: Completion of pre-nursing course of study (4 semesters)
• Tuition: $314 per credit hour
• Accreditation Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

14. University of Alabama in Huntsville

UAB offers RN to BSN (RN Mobility) and RN to MSN degrees, as well as several other master’s and doctoral degree options (DNP and Ph.D.). The school is located in Huntsville, Alabama and offers online courses for the RN Mobility offering.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.2%
• Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
• Admission requirements: High school degree; other requirements vary
• Tuition: $421 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

15. South University

South University is a private university offering traditional BSN and RN to BSN programs to be completed either online or on the Montgomery, Alabama campus.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73.3%
• Program length or credit hours: Varies
• Admission requirements: Minimum SAT 900 or ACT 19
• Tuition: not available
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

16. Snead State Community College

The Health Sciences Division of Snead State Community College offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate degree in Nursing (RN). Graduates of the curriculum are eligible to apply and take the Registered Nurse licensure exam (NCLEX). Classes are selective; only about 40 students per semester are selected for the nursing program.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.6%
• Program length or credit hours: Varies
• Admission requirements: n/a
• Tuition: $160 per credit hour
• Accreditation: not mentioned

17. Chattahoochee Valley State Community College

The Alabama Community College System nursing program is a 5-semester curriculum with stackable credentials that may lead the student to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Stackable credentials include a nursing assistant certificate of completion; practical nursing certificate and/or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.2%
• Program length or credit hours: Five semesters
• Admission requirements: High school transcript
• Tuition: $128 per credit hour
• Accreditation: not mentioned

18. Lawson State Community College

Lawson is a historically black university and the Associate Degree Nursing Program has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the state of Alabama.  The program was founded in 1970 and has enjoyed a successful history and is responsible for adding over 1,000 new nurses into the field. The Department of Health Professions at Lawson State Community College offers a program of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.1%
• Program length or credit hours: Varies
• Admission requirements: High school transcript
• Tuition: $134/credit
• Accreditation: ACEN

19. Bishop State Community College

At Bishop, all students apply for the Associate Degree (RN) five-semester program and will have the option of taking the licensure exam for practical nursing to work as an LPN after the third semester. If not, any student may continue for the remaining two semesters and upon graduation, take the RN licensure exam. This new curriculum introduced in 2016 is designed as a one-plus-one program that will allow students to exit to work in the healthcare field after three semesters or continue on in their education to complete the RN program

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.5%
• Program length or credit hours: Five semesters
• Admission requirements: High school transcript
• Tuition: $129 per semester hour
• Accreditation: not mentioned

20. George C. Wallace State Community College

George C. Wallace State Community College offers both a Practical Nursing and AND degree. In addition, articulation agreements with four-year institutions offer career and BSN/MSN degree advancement opportunities to graduates while they work in area healthcare facilities. Classes are offered on both the Hanceville and Dothan campuses.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.5%
  • Program length or credit hours: Varies
  • Admission requirements: High school transcript
  • Tuition: $129 per semester hour
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

21. Northeast Alabama Community College

Northeast Alabama Community College offers an ADN degree and facilitates online RN to BSN with partner institutions. The school has the 5^th ranked LPN program in Alabama.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.7%
• Program length or credit hours: Varies
• Admission requirements: Minimum ACT score of 18
• Tuition: $129 per semester hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

22. Jefferson State Community College

It is Jefferson State’s mission to prepare students to enter the nursing workforce with an entry-level nursing degree (Associate in Applied Science). The school also prepares students to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX). Courses are offered on four campuses, full time and part time day or evening to fit a variety of student needs.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.1%
• Program length or credit hours: Varies
• Admission requirements: One official form of ID
• Tuition: Fees vary depending on program
• Accreditation: not mentioned

23. Shelton State Community College

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Shelton State Community College prepares graduates to sit for the licensure exam for registered nurses. It is a balanced curriculum including both nursing and general education courses. Nursing courses must be taken in sequential order. ADN students should plan for 12-16 hours per week of clinical experience.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:88.1%
• Program length or credit hours: 2 years
• Admission requirements: High school diploma, ACT minimum of 18
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: not mentioned

24. Bevill State Community College

The Nursing program at Bevill State Community College is a five-semester program whose mission is to prepare graduates to practice safe, competent, patient-centered care in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing health care system. The program seeks to provide full and equal access to opportunities for educational success to meet community needs. The Nursing curriculum incorporates general education courses along with nursing courses. The nursing courses include classroom instruction with guided clinical experiences in varied health care agencies.

Nursing graduates have the opportunity to become Registered Nurses in the healthcare field after they successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:88%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: High school diploma, ACT minimum of 18
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

25. Northwest Shoals Community College

Northwest Shoals Community College offers an ADN degree to help students get started in the nursing field.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:87%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: High school diploma, ACT minimum of 18
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

26. Gadsden State Community College

The concept-based Curriculum at Gadsden State Community College is a stackable credential for nurses. Upon completion of the third semester, nursing students may sit for the NCLEX PN test and work as a Licensed Practical Nurse while they continue their education for the Registered Nurse degree. Successful completion of the 5-semester program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and entry into multiple practice settings. Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX-RN exam for licensure and practice as registered nurses (RNs).

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:85.3%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: High school diploma, ACT minimum of 18
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

27. Southern Union State Community College

Southern Union State Community College offers a Practical Nursing program that is offered on the Wadley Campus, while their Associate Degree Nursing, Radiography, and Surgical Technology programs are offered primarily on the Opelika Campus. Emergency Medical Services (Basic, Advanced and Paramedic) and Nursing Assistant is offered on Opelika, Wadley and Valley Campuses as needed. The Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN) admits students two times per year for fall and spring semesters on the Opelika Campus. Practical Nursing students are admitted one time each year on the Wadley Campus for the summer semester. The LPN to RN Mobility and Paramedic to RN Mobility students are admitted one time each year in the spring semester. The LPN to RN Mobility Track II students are admitted one time each year in the fall semester.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:84.7%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: High school diploma
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: not mentioned

28. University of West Alabama

At the UWA Division of Nursing, students can earn an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) in just 2 years (5 semesters).   Students here have the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in both clinical and simulated lab setting from experienced nurse educators.  Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to take the Registered Nurse licensure Exam (NCLEX) and enter the workforce. Graduates of the ADN program may elect to enroll in bachelor’s or accelerated master’s degree programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice including teaching, administration, research, or advanced practice. The UWA Division of Nursing partners with the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing to allow graduates to transition into the bachelor’s program.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:81.6%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: 75% on HESI, minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

29. Lurleen B. Wallace State Community College

Lurleen B. Wallace State Community College offers an ADN in nursing. No other information is available.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:76.5%
• Program length or credit hours: 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: High school diploma
• Tuition: not available
• Accreditation: not available

30. Central Alabama Community College

The Division of Nursing at Central Alabama Community College offers two points of exit within the nursing program. After the successful completion of the third semester of the nursing curriculum, the student is awarded a certificate in practical nursing and may be eligible to apply for licensure as a practical nurse. After successful completion of the five-semester nursing curriculum, the graduate is awarded an Associate in Applied Science-Associate Degree Nursing and may be eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse. Fees for the examination and the license are set by the testing and licensing authorities and are the responsibility of the student.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:71.4%
• Program length or credit hours: 3 to 5 semesters
• Admission requirements: High school diploma
• Tuition: $129 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

31. Judson College

In 2011, Judson College began an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to continue the college’s mission of educating and empowering women to make a difference in their communities. The 2-year ADN program at Judson College consists of 72 credit hours of coursework and clinical practice.  Graduating students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to earn RN licensure.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 72.2%
• Program length or credit hours: 2 years
• Admission requirements: Varies
• Tuition: $743 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Alabama Board of Nursing

Schools with BSN degrees were ranked first, followed by Associates (ADN/RN) degrees. Within each of these, schools were ranked on NCLEX pass rate, class size and tuition. We hope you have found this list useful as you prepare to embark on your exciting new nursing education and career.