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2023 Best Nursing Schools in Alabama

30 Schools Ranked
$42,117 Average Earnings
$31,673 Avg Student Debt

Today's nursing students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 30 schools in Alabama to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Alabama

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Herzing University - Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
245 Total Awards
$42,963 Average Earnings
$29,096 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Herzing University - Birmingham the best school in Alabama for nursing students working on their degree. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 245 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,096 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $163, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Herzing University - Birmingham, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,963 during the early years of their career.

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#2

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
8,117 Total Awards
$49,769 Average Earnings
$35,740 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Auburn University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Alabama. Located in Auburn, Alabama, the large public school awarded 8,117 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Auburn accumulate an average of $35,740 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $668, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Auburn graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,769 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Auburn University

#3

Samford University

Birmingham, Alabama
1,733 Total Awards
$55,075 Average Earnings
$54,355 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Samford University is a great place for nursing students. Samford is located in Birmingham, Alabama and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,733 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $54,355 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $790.After graduating from Samford, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,075 during the early years of their career.

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#4

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
10,025 Total Awards
$44,898 Average Earnings
$28,884 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Alabama. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Alabama list. This large public school is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and it awarded 10,025 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $28,884 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $696 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UA graduates make an average of $44,898 annually.

Read full report on The University of Alabama

#5

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
6,377 Total Awards
$51,494 Average Earnings
$36,139 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of Alabama at Birmingham is a great place for nursing students. Birmingham, Alabama is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 6,377 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $36,139 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $330. Once they receive their degree, UAB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,494 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Alabama at Birmingham

#6

University of South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama
3,705 Total Awards
$46,663 Average Earnings
$40,396 Avg Student Debt

University of South Alabama came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the fairly large public school awarded 3,705 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from USA accumulate an average of $40,396 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $354. Once they receive their degree, USA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,663 during the early year of their career.

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1,200 Total Awards
$34,370 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #7, Bevill State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. This small public school is located in Jasper, Alabama, and it awarded 1,200 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Bevill State Community College graduates make an average of $34,370 annually.

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1,522 Total Awards
$34,201 Average Earnings

Gadsden State Community College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This small public school is located in Gadsden, Alabama, and it awarded 1,522 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, GSCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,201 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Gadsden State Community College

#9

Coastal Alabama Community College

Bay Minette, Alabama
1,515 Total Awards
$33,085 Average Earnings
$11,333 Avg Student Debt

Coastal Alabama Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Bay Minette, Alabama, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,515 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Coastal Alabama Community College accumulate an average of $11,333 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Coastal Alabama Community College graduates make an average of $33,085 annually.

Read full report on Coastal Alabama Community College

1,018 Total Awards
$29,871 Average Earnings

Wallace Community College, Dothan ranked #10 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Alabama list. Wallace Community College, Dothan is a small public school located in Dothan, Alabama that handed out 1,018 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Wallace, Dothan graduates make an average of $29,871 annually.

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#11

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, Alabama
2,371 Total Awards
$58,920 Average Earnings
$23,201 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, University of Alabama in Huntsville did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Huntsville, Alabama is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,371 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UAH accumulate an average of $23,201 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $315, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UAH graduates make an average of $58,920 annually.

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329 Total Awards
$32,181 Average Earnings

Wallace Community College, Selma did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #12 on the list. WCCS is a public institution located in Selma, Alabama. The school has a small population, and it awarded 329 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, WCCS graduates make an average of $32,181 annually.

Full Wallace Community College, Selma Report

2,501 Total Awards
$36,585 Average Earnings
$11,970 Avg Student Debt

Wallace State Community College, Hanceville ranked #13 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Alabama list. Located in Hanceville, Alabama, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,501 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Wallace State, Hanceville accumulate an average of $11,970 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Wallace State, Hanceville, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,585 during the early years of their career.

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#14

South University, Montgomery

Montgomery, Alabama
93 Total Awards
$41,966 Average Earnings
$42,087 Avg Student Debt

South University, Montgomery ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Alabama list. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the very small private for-profit school handed out 93 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $42,087 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $231, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, South University, Montgomery graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,966 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on South University, Montgomery

#15

Shelton State Community College

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
853 Total Awards
$34,938 Average Earnings

Shelton State Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking. Shelton State Community College is a small public school situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It awarded 853 degrees in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Shelton State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,938 during the early years of their career.

Full Shelton State Community College Report

609 Total Awards
$41,053 Average Earnings

Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Birmingham, Alabama is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 609 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from LSCC - Birmingham Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,053 during the early years of their career.

Full Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus Report

#17

Bishop State Community College

Mobile, Alabama
651 Total Awards
$33,515 Average Earnings

Bishop State Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Alabama list. Bishop State Community College is a public institution located in Mobile, Alabama. The school has a small population, and it awarded 651 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Bishop State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,515 during the early year of their career.

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#18

Chattahoochee Valley Community College

Phenix City, Alabama
646 Total Awards
$60,027 Average Earnings
$10,415 Avg Student Debt

Chattahoochee Valley Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking. Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a small public school located in Phenix City, Alabama that handed out 646 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,415 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from CVCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,027 during the early years of their career.

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#19

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, Alabama
2,035 Total Awards
$39,073 Average Earnings
$27,845 Avg Student Debt

Jacksonville State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #19 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Jacksonville, Alabama, and it awarded 2,035 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $27,845 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $174 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Jacksonville State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,073 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Jacksonville State University

#20

University of North Alabama

Florence, Alabama
2,050 Total Awards
$36,683 Average Earnings
$24,881 Avg Student Debt

University of North Alabama did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #20 on the list. Florence, Alabama is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,050 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UNA accumulate an average of $24,881 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $261, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,683 during the early year of their career.

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#21

Northeast Alabama Community College

Rainsville, Alabama
1,127 Total Awards
$29,138 Average Earnings
$6,929 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Northeast Alabama Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Rainsville, Alabama, the small public school awarded 1,127 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $6,929 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Northeast graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,138 during the early year of their career.

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#22

Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Andalusia, Alabama
541 Total Awards
$35,722 Average Earnings

Lurleen B Wallace Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking. Andalusia, Alabama is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 541 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,722 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Lurleen B Wallace Community College

3,268 Total Awards
$38,694 Average Earnings
$13,709 Avg Student Debt

John C Calhoun State Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking. Calhoun Community College is located in Tanner, Alabama and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,268 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Calhoun Community College accumulate an average of $13,709 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Calhoun Community College graduates make an average of $38,694 annually.

Full John C Calhoun State Community College Report

1,684 Total Awards
$32,006 Average Earnings
$11,262 Avg Student Debt

Southern Union State Community College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This small public school is located in Wadley, Alabama, and it awarded 1,684 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,262 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Southern Union State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,006 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Southern Union State Community College

#25

Troy University

Troy, Alabama
3,892 Total Awards
$41,526 Average Earnings
$31,536 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Troy University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Troy, Alabama, the fairly large public school awarded 3,892 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $31,536 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $196, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, TROY graduates make an average of $41,526 annually.

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 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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