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Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas

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2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas

17 Schools Ranked
$4,754 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$15,051 Avg Student Debt

Today's nursing students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 17 schools in Arkansas to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

309 Total Awards
$2,952 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,181 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Arkansas State University - Newport to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a associate degree in Arkansas. ASUN is a small public school situated in Newport, Arkansas. It awarded 309 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $2,952 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ASUN. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,416. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,181 in student loans.

ASUN does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Arkansas State University - Newport Report

699 Total Awards
$7,456 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,556 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 17 schools in Arkansas that were part of this year’s ranking, Arkansas State University - Main Campus landed the # 2 spot on the list. Arkansas State University - Main Campus is a fairly large public school located in Jonesboro, Arkansas that handed out 699 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $7,456 in tuition and fees if they attend A-State full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,312. Associate Degree recipients from A-State accumulate an average of $16,556 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that A-State does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.

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#3

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas
1,563 Total Awards
$8,071 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,337 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 17 schools in Arkansas that were part of this year’s ranking, Arkansas Tech University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Russellville, Arkansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,563 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,071 in tuition and fees if they attend ATU full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,891. Associate Degree recipients from ATU accumulate an average of $20,337 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ATU does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Arkansas Tech University Report

#4

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, Arkansas
1,135 Total Awards
$4,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,857 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at NorthWest Arkansas Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Arkansas. NWACC is a medium-sized public school situated in Bentonville, Arkansas. It awarded 1,135 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend NWACC full time pay an average of $4,450 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,906. On average, associate degree students take out $12,857 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that NWACC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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#5

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas
361 Total Awards
$9,512 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,173 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Arkansas. UA Little Rock is located in Little Rock, Arkansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 361 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $9,512 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UA Little Rock. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $21,767. On average, associate degree students take out $19,173 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UA Little Rock. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

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398 Total Awards
$3,576 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,905 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas Community College - Morrilton landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Morrilton, Arkansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 398 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,576 in tuition and fees if they attend UACCM full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,128. Associate Degree recipients from UACCM accumulate an average of $12,905 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UACCM. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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89 Total Awards
$3,356 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,455 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University Three Rivers ranked #7 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas list. Located in Malvern, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 89 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,356 in tuition and fees if they attend ASU Three Rivers full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,780. Associate Degree recipients from ASU Three Rivers accumulate an average of $15,455 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ASU Three Rivers. In 2020-2021 about 16% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Arkansas State University Three Rivers

195 Total Awards
$3,126 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,501 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas list. This small public school is located in Batesville, Arkansas, and it awarded 195 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,126 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UACCB. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $3,750. On average, associate degree students take out $9,501 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UACCB. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

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108 Total Awards
$3,500 Average Tuition & Fees

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas ranking. Phillips County Community College is located in Helena, Arkansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 108 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Arkansas who attend Phillips County Community College full time pay an average of $3,500 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,060.

Phillips County Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 29% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#10

Arkansas Northeastern College

Blytheville, Arkansas
164 Total Awards
$2,822 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, Arkansas Northeastern College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Arkansas Northeastern College is a small public school located in Blytheville, Arkansas that handed out 164 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend Arkansas Northeastern College full time pay an average of $2,822 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,222.

Arkansas Northeastern College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#11

Arkansas State University - Mountain Home

Mountain Home, Arkansas
275 Total Awards
$3,024 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,906 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Arkansas State University - Mountain Home did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and it awarded 275 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,024 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ASUMH. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,632. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,906 in student loans.

ASUMH does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 60% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Arkansas State University - Mountain Home

#12

Black River Technical College

Pocahontas, Arkansas
375 Total Awards
$4,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,069 Avg Student Debt

Black River Technical College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Located in Pocahontas, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 375 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend Black River Technical College full time pay an average of $4,440 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,888. Associate Degree recipients from Black River Technical College accumulate an average of $13,069 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Black River Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 70% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Black River Technical College Report

189 Total Awards
$3,720 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Located in Mena, Arkansas, the very small public school awarded 189 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,720 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UA Rich Mountain. Out-of-state students pay an average of $3,960.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UA Rich Mountain. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

National Park College

Hot Springs, Arkansas
239 Total Awards
$5,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,450 Avg Student Debt

National Park College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas list. This small public school is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and it awarded 239 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at National Park College is $5,650. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,880. Associate Degree recipients from National Park College accumulate an average of $16,450 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since National Park College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 68% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

North Arkansas College

Harrison, Arkansas
286 Total Awards
$3,408 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,859 Avg Student Debt

North Arkansas College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas list. Harrison, Arkansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 286 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,408 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northark. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,136. On average, associate degree students take out $9,859 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Northark. In fact, around 56% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full North Arkansas College Report

#16

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, Arkansas
277 Total Awards
$8,431 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,062 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas at Monticello ranked #16 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas list. Monticello, Arkansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 277 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $8,431 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UAM. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,281. Associate Degree recipients from UAM accumulate an average of $12,062 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UAM. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full University of Arkansas at Monticello Report

#17

South Arkansas Community College

El Dorado, Arkansas
163 Total Awards
$3,324 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,467 Avg Student Debt

South Arkansas Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. SouthArk is located in El Dorado, Arkansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 163 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Arkansas who attend SouthArk full time pay an average of $3,324 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,124. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,467 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SouthArk. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 59% took at least some of their classes online.

Full South Arkansas Community College Report

View Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 17 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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