Top Nursing Schools in Arkansas
This page lists 38 schools in Arkansas that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 24 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 26 associate degree (ADN), 15 bachelor's (BSN), 8 master's and 4 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 33 public and 5 private nonprofit. 19 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Little Rock (4), Pine Bluff (3) and Arkadelphia (2).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (38)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozarka College | Melbourne, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | Helena, AR | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| South Arkansas College | El Dorado, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Southeast Arkansas College | Pine Bluff, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | Public | BSN | — |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech | Camden, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Public | BSN, MSN, Post-Master's, DNP | CCNE |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Public | ADN, BSN | ACEN |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | Monticello, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN | — |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | Public | BSN | ACEN (candidate) |
| University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain | Mena, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville | Batesville, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock, AR | Public | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD | CCNE |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Little Rock, AR | Public | BSN, MSN, MSN-Leadership | — |
| University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana | Hope, AR | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | Public | LPN/LVN, BSN | CCNE, ACEN (candidate) |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | Public | BSN, MSN, DNP | CCNE |
Before you apply in Arkansas
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of Arkansas. See online coursework and clinical requirements.