Best Nursing Schools in Alabama

Updated on January 12, 2024

At a Glance

  • Alabama offers a range of top-rated nursing schools with various program options.
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing and Auburn University School of Nursing are highly regarded.
  • Other notable nursing schools in Alabama include University of South Alabama, University of North Alabama, and Troy University.
  • Samford University, University of Alabama, and University of West Alabama also have reputable nursing programs.

Alabama is home to over 25 nursing schools that offer a mix of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. With so many options to choose from, narrowing down the best nursing schools in Alabama can be tricky. This guide profiles 10 of the top-rated nursing schools in Alabama based on factors like admissions statistics, program reputation, and career outcomes.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing

Location: Birmingham, AL

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Tuition: $10,710 per year (in-state); $24,930 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $63,000

Website: https://www.uab.edu/nursing/

The UAB School of Nursing is widely considered one of the best nursing schools in Alabama. Its high NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, variety of program options, and connections to the UAB Health System make it a top choice for aspiring nurses. The school offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD in Nursing programs.

Auburn University School of Nursing

Location: Auburn, AL

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Avg SAT Score: 1165

Tuition: $11,592 per year (in-state); $31,124 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: https://www.auburn.edu/nursing/

Auburn University’s traditional BSN program is highly selective, but those accepted enjoy small class sizes and state-of-the-art simulation labs. Auburn nursing graduates consistently find jobs upon graduation and earn competitive salaries. Auburn also offers an accelerated BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD in Nursing.

University of South Alabama (USA) College of Nursing

Location: Mobile, AL

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Tuition: $9,750 per year (in-state); $21,390 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $58,000

Website: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/con/

The USA College of Nursing is a large public nursing school with a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN, post-master’s certificates, DNP, and PhD in Nursing Science. Its nursing simulation center provides students cutting-edge training with high-tech mannequins and virtual reality experiences.

University of North Alabama (UNA) School of Nursing and Allied Health

Location: Florence, AL

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Tuition: $9,750 per year (in-state); $18,390 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $55,000

Website: https://www.una.edu/nursing/

UNA’s School of Nursing and Allied Health offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, post-master’s certificates, and a DNP program. Small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and partnerships with major regional healthcare providers give UNA nursing graduates a competitive edge.

Troy University School of Nursing

Location: Troy, AL

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Tuition: $9,750 per year (in-state); $18,390 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $58,000

Website: https://www.troy.edu/college-health-human-services/departments/nursing/index.html

Troy University’s traditional BSN program uses progressive, hands-on clinical experiences to prepare graduates for real-world practice. Troy also offers an RN-to-BSN completion program, MSN, post-master’s certificates, and a DNP program. Its nursing school partnerships in Phenix City and Montgomery expand its reach across Alabama.

Samford University Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing

Location: Birmingham, AL

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Avg SAT Score: 1250

Tuition: $34,200 per year

Avg Salary: $65,000

Website: https://www.samford.edu/nursing/

The prestigious Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University offers a traditional BSN with small class sizes, an accelerated BSN option, and direct entry MSN tracks for non-nursing graduates. The school has a strong reputation regionally and nationally.

University of Alabama School of Nursing

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Tuition: $11,200 per year (in-state); $31,420 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: https://nursing.ua.edu/

The Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD in Nursing programs. Its Nursing Learning Resource Center provides cutting edge simulations to prepare graduates for practice.

University of West Alabama (UWA) School of Nursing

Location: Livingston, AL

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Tuition: $9,270 per year

Avg Salary: $55,000

Website: https://www.uwa.edu/academics/collegeofnursing/

UWA’s small public nursing school provides individual attention and affordable in-state tuition rates. Nursing students get hands-on clinical practice across UWA’s rural service area. The school offers a traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN degree programs.

Jacksonville State University (JSU) School of Nursing

Location: Jacksonville, AL

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 55%

Tuition: $9,750 per year (in-state); $19,770 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $55,000

Website: https://www.jsu.edu/nursing/index.html

JSU’s School of Nursing is the alma mater of many practicing nurses across Alabama. It offers traditional BSN and RN-to-BSN programs, renowned for quality clinical experiences at regional medical centers. Small class sizes enable personal attention from nursing faculty.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main nursing programs in Alabama?

The most common nursing programs in Alabama are traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD/research-focused doctoral programs. Many schools also offer LPN-to-RN bridge options.

Which Alabama nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing consistently posts the highest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates among Alabama nursing graduates. Its most recent pass rate was over 95%.

Which nursing schools in Alabama offer online programs?

Many Alabama nursing schools offer online RN-to-BSN and MSN programs, including Troy University, Auburn University, University of Alabama, University of South Alabama, and Jacksonville State University. These programs provide flexibility for working nurses.

What is the easiest nursing school to get into in Alabama?

The University of West Alabama tends to have the highest nursing school acceptance rate in the state at around 41%. Its small public nursing school provides a quality, affordable nursing education with smaller class sizes.

What Alabama nursing school has the highest average starting salaries?

On average, graduates from the nursing schools at Samford University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Auburn University tend to have the highest entry-level salaries ranging from $60,000-65,000 per year.

How much does nursing school cost in Alabama?

For Alabama residents, annual nursing school tuition ranges from around $9,000-11,000 at public universities to over $30,000 at private universities like Samford. Accelerated BSN and graduate programs tend to cost more.

Which nursing schools offer the best clinical rotations?

The UAB School of Nursing and University of South Alabama College of Nursing have extensive partnerships with leading regional healthcare systems like UAB Hospital and USA Health. These partnerships provide enriching clinical experiences.

What’s better – a BSN or MSN nursing degree in Alabama?

The majority of entry-level nursing positions require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, earning an MSN allows for greater career advancement and higher salaries over time in roles like nurse practitioner and nursing leadership.

Do Alabama nursing schools offer graduate programs?

Yes, most Alabama nursing schools with undergraduate BSN programs also offer various graduate programs like MSN, post-master’s certificates, DNP degrees, and in some cases, PhDs in Nursing. These provide career growth options.

Which nursing school is cheapest for Alabama residents?

The public universities in Alabama tend to offer the most affordable in-state tuition rates under $10,000/year. These include schools like Troy University, the University of South Alabama, and Jacksonville State University.

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