Best Nursing Schools in Alabama: 2025 NCLEX Results, ADN vs BSN & Licensure

Alabama’s newest Board of Nursing NCLEX table changes the shortlist.

For CY2025, Auburn University, Samford University, Troy University, and the University of Mobile each posted 100% BSN pass rates. The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing posted 99.63%, UAH posted 98.92%, UAB posted 95.04%, and the University of South Alabama posted 94.43%.

On the associate-degree side, several community-college pathways posted results that compete with or beat many BSN programs: Southern Union State Community College 99.15%, Gadsden State 99.06%, Wallace State-Hanceville 98.01%, Northeast Alabama 97.87%, Coastal Alabama 96.89%, and Snead State 96.88%.

That does not mean you should rank schools by one number. A strong nursing-school choice depends on Board approval, accreditation, multi-year outcomes, cohort size, clinical placement, cost, location, admission odds, and whether you want the fastest RN path or the broadest long-term credential.

How we selected the best nursing schools in Alabama

This guide does not copy third-party rankings. It uses public signals students can check for themselves.

We prioritized:

1. Alabama Board of Nursing approval
2. Newest ABN CY2025 NCLEX pass-rate report
3. Programmatic accreditation
4. Degree pathway: ADN, BSN, accelerated/second-degree, RN-to-BSN, master’s-entry
5. Clinical access and regional fit
6. Affordability and transfer options
7. Long-term mobility for specialty, leadership, APRN, CRNA, public health, and graduate study
8. Admissions realism

Official starting points:

• Alabama Board of Nursing approved nursing programs
• ABN CY2025 approved programs and NCLEX pass-rate PDF
• Alabama Board of Nursing licensure by exam
• CCNE accredited program directory
• ACEN accredited program search

ADN vs BSN in Alabama

Alabama gives future nurses two strong prelicensure RN routes: associate-degree nursing and baccalaureate nursing.

ADN / Associate Degree in Nursing

An ADN is usually the faster and lower-cost path to RN licensure. Alabama has many ADN options through the Alabama Community College System and other approved institutions.

Best for:

• Students who want the fastest RN route
• Students trying to reduce debt
• Working adults
• Students who want to train close to home
• LPNs moving toward RN practice
• Students planning RN-to-BSN after licensure

Main caution: Some hospitals, specialty units, leadership roles, public health jobs, military pathways, and graduate programs may prefer or require BSN preparation. If you choose ADN first, plan the RN-to-BSN step early.

BSN / Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A BSN is a four-year university pathway to RN licensure and broader long-term career mobility.

Best for:

• Students who want a university experience
• Students targeting major hospitals or nurse residencies
• Students interested in ICU, ED, L&D, pediatrics, OR, public health, leadership, military nursing, or graduate school
• Students who may later pursue NP, CRNA, CNS, CNM, MSN, DNP, or PhD pathways

Main caution: BSN programs usually cost more upfront and may have selective upper-division admission. Getting into the university does not always guarantee entry into the nursing major or clinical phase.

Accelerated BSN, second-degree, and master’s-entry routes

Second-degree students should compare accelerated or entry-level options carefully.

Alabama examples to research include:

• Samford Second Degree BSN
• University of South Alabama Accelerated BSN
• UAB AMNP
• University of Alabama MEPN
• Troy AMSN

Best for: Students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Main caution: These routes are intense and may be more expensive. Also, newer or low-volume pathways may show N/A in the newest NCLEX table until graduates test.

Latest Alabama NCLEX-RN results: CY2025

The Alabama Board of Nursing CY2025 report lists pass percentages by governing institution and program level. The report is useful, but it does not tell the whole story by itself.

Use it with:

• Cohort size
• Multi-year trends
• Completion rate
• Accreditation
• Clinical placement
• Admission selectivity
• Total cost
• Transfer options
• Employer reputation

CY2025 BSN pass rates to know

CY2025 ADN pass rates to know

Best BSN nursing programs in Alabama

1. Auburn University College of Nursing

Location: Auburn School type: Public university Program type: Traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, concurrent pathway, graduate options Best for: Students who want a high-performing public BSN in a major university setting

Auburn University posted a 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate in the Alabama Board of Nursing report. Auburn’s traditional BSN page says the program prepares students for RN practice through undergraduate curriculum, accredited skills and simulation labs, and varied clinical experiences. It also notes that admission to Auburn does not guarantee admission to the College of Nursing.

Official program links:

• Auburn University College of Nursing
• Auburn Traditional BSN

Why students choose it

• 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Public university setting
• Strong simulation and clinical preparation
• Traditional, RN-to-BSN, and concurrent pathway options
• Good fit for students who want a classic campus experience

Potential drawbacks

• Competitive nursing admission
• University admission is separate from nursing progression
• Auburn may not be the best location for students tied to Birmingham, Huntsville, or Mobile

2. University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing

Location: Tuscaloosa School type: Public flagship university Program type: BSN, RN-to-BSN, master’s-entry pathway, graduate options Best for: Students who want a flagship university experience with a very strong current NCLEX result

The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing posted a 99.63% CY2025 BSN pass rate, one of the strongest current results in the state.

The Capstone College of Nursing says it offers the BSN and welcomes freshman, transfer, and second-degree students. Its catalog states that BSN graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN.

Official program links:

• University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
• UA BSN program
• UA undergraduate nursing catalog

Why students choose it

• 99.63% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Flagship campus experience
• Strong long-term pathway for graduate nursing goals
• BSN and RN-to-BSN options
• Good fit for students targeting Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or broader Alabama clinical markets

Potential drawbacks

• Promotion to upper-division nursing can be competitive
• Students should verify current prerequisites and progression rules
• Large-campus environment is not the right fit for everyone

3. University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing

Location: Huntsville School type: Public university Program type: BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students in North Alabama and Huntsville who want a strong public BSN option

UAH posted a 98.92% CY2025 BSN pass rate in the ABN table, making it one of Alabama’s strongest current public BSN options.

Official program link:

• University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing

Why students choose it

• 98.92% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Huntsville location
• Public university route
• Good fit for North Alabama students
• Strong option for students who want a BSN without relocating to Birmingham, Auburn, or Tuscaloosa

Potential drawbacks

• Applicants should confirm current clinical placement locations
• Huntsville clinical markets may be competitive
• Students should compare costs and admission timelines with nearby ADN options

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing

Location: Birmingham School type: Public research university / academic health sciences environment Program type: BSN, RN-to-BSN, AMNP, MSN, DNP, PhD, graduate certificates Best for: Students who want a Birmingham academic-medical environment and long graduate-school runway

UAB remains one of the most important nursing schools in Alabama because of its Birmingham location, major academic health environment, and extensive graduate nursing pathways. In the CY2025 ABN report, UAB posted a 95.04% BSN pass rate.

UAB’s BSN pathway page describes a four-year undergraduate curriculum with academic and professional nursing courses, simulation and technology, and clinical and research experiences across age groups.

Official program links:

• UAB School of Nursing
• UAB BSN pathway
• UAB AMNP pathway

Why students choose it

• Major Birmingham academic-health environment
• BSN, RN-to-BSN, AMNP, and graduate pathways
• Strong fit for students interested in complex care, research, specialty practice, and graduate nursing
• Large clinical ecosystem in and around Birmingham

Potential drawbacks

• CY2025 BSN pass rate was strong but below Auburn, UA, UAH, Samford, Troy, and University of Mobile
• Birmingham cost, commute, and clinical logistics matter
• Students should compare BSN, AMNP, and transfer routes carefully

5. University of South Alabama College of Nursing

Location: Mobile School type: Public university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students in Mobile, coastal Alabama, and Gulf Coast clinical markets

The University of South Alabama posted a 94.43% CY2025 BSN pass rate. USA remains an important option because of its Mobile location, USA Health connections, accelerated route, and graduate nursing ladder.

Official program links:

• University of South Alabama College of Nursing
• USA undergraduate nursing programs

Why students choose it

• Mobile and Gulf Coast clinical access
• Traditional and accelerated BSN options
• Strong long-term path for graduate nursing
• Public university cost structure
• Good fit for students in south Alabama

Potential drawbacks

• CY2025 pass rate was below several public and private Alabama BSN programs
• Accelerated pathways are intense
• Students should confirm exact pathway outcomes and total cost

6. Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing

Location: Birmingham / Homewood School type: Private Christian university Program type: Traditional BSN, second-degree BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students seeking a private faith-based Birmingham-area nursing school with strong current outcomes

Samford posted a 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate in the ABN report. Its nursing school is a strong private option for students who want a smaller, faith-based university environment near Birmingham.

Official program links:

• Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
• Samford undergraduate nursing

Why students choose it

• 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Birmingham-area clinical access
• Traditional and second-degree options
• Private Christian university environment
• Graduate nursing pathways

Potential drawbacks

• Private tuition
• Students should compare total cost, scholarships, and debt load carefully
• Private-school fit depends on personal and financial priorities

7. Troy University School of Nursing

Location: Troy and other Alabama access points depending on pathway School type: Public university Program type: BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options; Montgomery associate pathway listed separately in ABN report Best for: Students who want a public university option with strong current BSN outcomes

Troy University posted a 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate. The ABN report also lists Troy University-Montgomery Campus separately under associate degree with 89.04%.

Official program link:

• Troy University School of Nursing

Why students choose it

• 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Public university option
• Multiple nursing pathways
• Good fit for students in southeast Alabama or those seeking Troy’s online/extended-campus structure

Potential drawbacks

• Compare exact campus and pathway carefully
• Associate and BSN outcomes are not the same
• Students should verify clinical placement locations and modality

8. University of Mobile School of Nursing

Location: Mobile School type: Private Christian university Program type: BSN and associate-degree pathway listed in ABN report Best for: Students seeking a private Christian nursing option in Mobile

The University of Mobile posted a 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate and 90.91% for the associate-degree category in the ABN report.

Official program link:

• University of Mobile School of Nursing

Why students choose it

• 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Mobile location
• Private Christian university setting
• Smaller-campus environment

Potential drawbacks

• Private tuition
• Associate and BSN outcomes differ
• Students should verify accreditation, cost, clinical sites, and pathway details before applying

9. University of North Alabama Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions

Location: Florence School type: Public university Program type: BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate options Best for: Students in northwest Alabama seeking a public BSN route with strong current outcomes

University of North Alabama posted a 96.90% CY2025 BSN pass rate.

Official program link:

• University of North Alabama Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions

Why students choose it

• 96.90% CY2025 BSN pass rate
• Public university option in Florence
• Good fit for northwest Alabama students
• BSN and advancement pathways

Potential drawbacks

• Location may not fit students targeting Birmingham, Huntsville, or Mobile
• Applicants should check clinical placement and progression policies

Best ADN nursing programs in Alabama

Alabama’s community-college ADN options deserve serious attention. Several posted CY2025 NCLEX results above 96%, and ADN can be the best value for students who want RN licensure sooner.

1. Southern Union State Community College

Location: Wadley, Opelika, and Valley area access depending on program structure School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing and practical nursing options CY2025 ADN pass rate: 99.15% Best for: East Alabama students seeking a high-performing community-college RN route

Official program link:

• Southern Union State Community College Nursing

Why students choose it

• Highest listed CY2025 ADN pass rate in Alabama
• Community-college cost structure
• East Alabama access
• Strong option for ADN-to-BSN planning

Potential drawbacks

• Admission can be competitive
• Students should confirm campus-specific availability and clinical travel
• RN-to-BSN planning matters for long-term mobility

2. Gadsden State Community College

Location: Gadsden and regional access School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing and practical nursing pathways CY2025 ADN pass rate: 99.06% Best for: Northeast Alabama students seeking one of the strongest current ADN outcomes

Official program link:

• Gadsden State Nursing Education

Why students choose it

• 99.06% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• 100% practical nursing and PN stand-alone rates in CY2025 report
• Public community-college route
• Good regional access

Potential drawbacks

• Students should compare admission points, TEAS requirements, and clinical sites
• ADN students should map RN-to-BSN options early

3. Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

Location: Hanceville School type: Public community college Program type: ADN and practical nursing pathways CY2025 ADN pass rate: 98.01% Best for: Students seeking a large, well-known health-sciences community-college pathway

Wallace State-Hanceville remains one of Alabama’s strongest community-college nursing options. It posted 98.01% in the CY2025 ADN table and 98.10% for practical nursing.

Official program link:

• Wallace State Nursing

Why students choose it

• 98.01% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Strong health-sciences identity
• Community-college value
• Good ADN-to-BSN planning route

Potential drawbacks

• Strong outcomes may increase admission competition
• Students should verify current application deadlines, clinical requirements, and progression rules

4. Northeast Alabama Community College

Location: Rainsville School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing and practical nursing options CY2025 ADN pass rate: 97.87% Best for: Northeast Alabama students seeking a high-performing ADN route close to home

Official program link:

• Northeast Alabama Community College Nursing

Why students choose it

• 97.87% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Public community-college cost structure
• Strong option for students in northeast Alabama
• Good route for students planning RN-to-BSN

Potential drawbacks

• Smaller regional market than Birmingham or Huntsville
• Students should compare clinical placement sites and transfer options

5. Coastal Alabama Community College

Location: Multiple coastal and south Alabama sites School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing and practical nursing options CY2025 ADN pass rate: 96.89% Best for: South Alabama and Gulf Coast students seeking an ADN pathway

Official program link:

• Coastal Alabama Nursing and Allied Health

Why students choose it

• 96.89% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Regional access across south Alabama
• Community-college cost structure
• Good fit for students near coastal Alabama clinical markets

Potential drawbacks

• Site availability can vary
• Students should verify campus, clinical travel, and program sequence

6. Snead State Community College

Location: Boaz School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing CY2025 ADN pass rate: 96.88% Best for: Students in north/northeast Alabama seeking a public ADN pathway

Official program link:

• Snead State Nursing

Why students choose it

• 96.88% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Community-college affordability
• Good regional fit for students near Boaz and surrounding areas

Potential drawbacks

• Compare RN-to-BSN transfer options
• Ask about cohort size and multi-year NCLEX trends

7. Wallace Community College-Dothan

Location: Dothan School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing and practical nursing options CY2025 ADN pass rate: 96.59% Best for: Southeast Alabama students seeking a strong ADN option

Official program link:

• Wallace Community College Nursing

Why students choose it

• 96.59% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Southeast Alabama access
• Community-college cost structure
• Strong option for Dothan-area students

Potential drawbacks

• Location may not fit students targeting Birmingham, Huntsville, or Mobile
• Ask about clinical site locations and RN-to-BSN partnerships

8. Jefferson State Community College

Location: Birmingham-area campuses School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing CY2025 ADN pass rate: 96.12% Best for: Birmingham-area students seeking a community-college RN route

Official program link:

• Jefferson State Nursing Education

Why students choose it

• 96.12% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Birmingham-area clinical access
• Lower-cost alternative to starting with BSN
• Good option for students planning RN-to-BSN later

Potential drawbacks

• Birmingham-area clinical competition
• Admission can be competitive
• Students should compare campus availability and transfer planning

9. Bevill State Community College

Location: West and northwest Alabama access School type: Public community college Program type: Associate degree nursing and practical nursing options CY2025 ADN pass rate: 95.17% Best for: Students in Bevill State service areas seeking a strong ADN route

Official program link:

• Bevill State Nursing

Why students choose it

• 95.17% CY2025 ADN pass rate
• Public community-college route
• Practical nursing and associate-degree options
• Good fit for students near Bevill State campuses

Potential drawbacks

• Verify which campuses/sites are active for your intended start
• Students should compare RN-to-BSN pathways

ADN programs to compare carefully

A lower one-year pass rate does not automatically mean a program is a poor fit, but it should trigger deeper questions.

Programs with lower CY2025 ADN pass rates include:

• Trenholm State Community College: 60.00%
• Wallace Community College-Selma: 74.36%
• Northwest-Shoals Community College: 76.32%
• Drake State Community and Technical College: 77.55%
• Bishop State Community College: 84.29%
• University of West Alabama: 85.71%
• Lurleen B. Wallace State Community College: 89.86%
• Herzing University-Birmingham: 89.87%

Before applying, ask about:

• Current Board approval status
• Multi-year NCLEX trend
• Number of students who tested
• Completion and attrition rates
• Curriculum changes
• Faculty changes
• Remediation plan
• Student support
• Clinical-site stability

Alabama RN salary and job outlook

Alabama RN wages are below the national median, but pay varies by metro area, shift, specialty, employer, union/benefit structure, and experience.

O*NET’s BLS-based 2024 wage page lists Alabama registered nurses at:

Metro examples from the same O*NET table include:

Nationally, BLS lists registered nurses at a $93,600 median annual wage in May 2024 and projects RN employment to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings per year on average.

Official sources:

• O*NET Alabama wages for registered nurses
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses

Alabama and the Nurse Licensure Compact

Alabama participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.

The Alabama Board of Nursing says that if you hold a valid multistate license in another compact state, you are not required to obtain an Alabama RN or LPN license to practise in Alabama unless Alabama is your primary state of residence. The Board also notes that APRNs with RN multistate licenses in other compact states must still apply for approval to engage in advanced practice nursing in Alabama.

The Board says applicants meeting multistate licensure requirements may apply under the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact and that multistate licensees may practise in any state that is party to the compact.

Official source:

• Alabama Board of Nursing: Nurse Licensure Compact

Alabama RN licensure basics

New graduates generally need to:

1. Graduate from an approved nursing program.
2. Apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing for licensure by examination.
3. Choose the correct single-state or multistate exam application if eligible.
4. Register for the NCLEX-RN.
5. Submit required documentation and fees.
6. Complete identity, background, transcript, and eligibility steps as required.
7. Pass the NCLEX-RN.
8. Receive authorization/licensure before practising as an RN.

The ABN licensure-by-exam page notes that applications are intended to be completed only by the individual applying and require the applicant to attest to accuracy and completeness.

Official source:

• Alabama Board of Nursing: Licensure by Exam

Alabama clinical markets to consider

Birmingham

Best for students interested in:

• Academic medical centers
• Children’s hospitals
• Trauma and tertiary care
• Specialty units
• Research exposure
• Graduate nursing pathways
• Urban hospital systems

Programs to compare:

• UAB
• Samford
• Jefferson State
• Lawson State
• Herzing-Birmingham
• South University
• Nearby community colleges depending on commute

Huntsville and North Alabama

Best for students interested in:

• Growing regional healthcare market
• Public university nursing
• Community-college ADN options
• North Alabama hospital systems
• Military/defense-adjacent community needs

Programs to compare:

• UAH
• Calhoun
• Drake State
• Northeast Alabama
• Wallace State-Hanceville
• Northwest-Shoals
• UNA

Mobile and Gulf Coast

Best for students interested in:

• Coastal/Gulf clinical markets
• Public and private BSN options
• Community and hospital-based care
• South Alabama clinical access

Programs to compare:

• University of South Alabama
• University of Mobile
• Spring Hill College
• Bishop State
• Coastal Alabama

Tuscaloosa and West Alabama

Best for students interested in:

• Flagship university environment
• Public BSN
• Community-college ADN routes
• Regional hospital systems

Programs to compare:

• University of Alabama Capstone
• Shelton State
• Bevill State
• University of West Alabama
• Wallace-Selma, with careful outcome review

Auburn, Montgomery, and East Alabama

Best for students interested in:

• Public university BSN routes
• Community-college ADN value
• East Alabama and central Alabama clinical markets

Programs to compare:

• Auburn University
• Auburn University at Montgomery
• Southern Union State
• Central Alabama Community College
• Chattahoochee Valley
• Troy University
• Troy-Montgomery associate pathway

How to choose the right Alabama nursing school

If you want the strongest CY2025 BSN NCLEX signals

Start with:

• Auburn University
• Samford University
• Troy University
• University of Mobile
• University of Alabama Capstone
• UAH
• University of North Alabama
• UAB
• University of South Alabama

Then compare cohort size, cost, accreditation, clinical sites, and admission odds.

If you want the strongest CY2025 ADN NCLEX signals

Start with:

• Southern Union State
• Gadsden State
• Wallace State-Hanceville
• Northeast Alabama
• Coastal Alabama
• Snead State
• Wallace-Dothan
• Jefferson State
• Bevill State
• Enterprise State
• Central Alabama
• Calhoun
• Shelton State

If you want the lowest-cost RN path

Start with ADN programs near you, then plan RN-to-BSN.

Good questions:

• Does the ADN transfer smoothly?
• Does the school have formal RN-to-BSN partnerships?
• Can I work as an RN while completing BSN?
• Will my target hospital hire ADN new grads?
• Does the employer offer tuition assistance?

If you want graduate school later

A BSN may be the cleaner starting point if you are already planning:

• Nurse practitioner
• CRNA
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Certified nurse-midwife
• Nurse educator
• Nurse leadership
• DNP or PhD
• Public health
• Research
• Military nursing

Internal guides that may help:

• How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
• How to Become a CRNA
• Clinical Nurse Specialist Guide
• ACEN vs CCNE Accreditation

Alabama nursing school checklist

Before applying, verify:

• Alabama Board of Nursing approval
• Exact campus
• Exact pathway: ADN, BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-RN, master’s-entry
• Latest NCLEX pass rate
• Three-year NCLEX trend
• Number of first-time testers
• Completion rate
• Attrition rate
• Accreditation: ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized nursing accreditor
• Total cost
• Books, uniforms, testing packages, and supplies
• TEAS/HESI requirement
• Prerequisite GPA rules
• Science GPA rules
• Clinical sites
• Clinical travel distance
• Simulation resources
• Remediation plan
• Tutoring and student support
• New-grad hiring outcomes
• RN-to-BSN transfer options
• Scholarship and tuition-assistance options

Questions to ask every Alabama nursing program

Approval and accreditation

• Are you currently approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing?
• Is the exact nursing program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized accreditor?
• Is my campus included?
• Are there any warnings, conditions, probationary actions, or pending approval issues?

NCLEX and outcomes

• What were your first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the last three years?
• How many students tested each year?
• What is your completion rate?
• What percentage of admitted students finish the nursing sequence?
• What changed if the latest pass rate dropped?
• What remediation support exists before and after exams?

Clinical placement

• Which hospitals and agencies do students use?
• How far do students travel?
• Are weekend or evening clinicals required?
• Are specialty rotations guaranteed or competitive?
• Are simulation hours used?
• What happens if a clinical site cancels?

Cost and transfer

• What is the total cost, not just tuition?
• Are fees, books, uniforms, testing platforms, immunizations, background checks, and supplies included?
• Can credits transfer into RN-to-BSN?
• Does the school have RN-to-BSN partnerships?
• Do local employers offer tuition reimbursement?

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Alabama

What is the best nursing school in Alabama?

There is no single best program for every student. Auburn, Samford, Troy, and University of Mobile posted 100% CY2025 BSN pass rates, while University of Alabama Capstone posted 99.63%, UAH 98.92%, UAB 95.04%, and University of South Alabama 94.43%. For ADN, Southern Union State, Gadsden State, Wallace State-Hanceville, Northeast Alabama, Coastal Alabama, and Snead State posted some of the strongest CY2025 results.

Which Alabama BSN programs had 100% NCLEX pass rates in CY2025?

Auburn University, Samford University, Troy University, and University of Mobile each posted 100% CY2025 BSN pass rates in the Alabama Board of Nursing report.

Which Alabama ADN program had the highest CY2025 NCLEX pass rate?

Southern Union State Community College posted the highest listed CY2025 associate-degree pass rate at 99.15%, followed closely by Gadsden State at 99.06%.

Is UAB the best nursing school in Alabama?

UAB is one of Alabama’s most important nursing schools because of its Birmingham academic-health environment, clinical access, and graduate pathways. But it was not the top CY2025 NCLEX percentage in the ABN table. UAB posted 95.04%, while several programs posted higher one-year pass rates.

Is Auburn good for nursing?

Yes. Auburn posted a 100% CY2025 BSN pass rate and offers a public university BSN route with simulation and clinical preparation. Admission to Auburn does not automatically guarantee admission to the College of Nursing.

Is University of Alabama good for nursing?

Yes. The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing posted a 99.63% CY2025 BSN pass rate and offers a flagship university BSN pathway with RN-to-BSN and graduate options.

Are Alabama community college nursing programs good?

Many are strong. Several Alabama ADN programs posted CY2025 pass rates above 96%, including Southern Union State, Gadsden State, Wallace State-Hanceville, Northeast Alabama, Coastal Alabama, Snead State, Wallace-Dothan, and Jefferson State.

Should I choose ADN or BSN in Alabama?

Choose ADN if cost and speed matter most and you have a clear RN-to-BSN plan. Choose BSN if you want the broadest long-term mobility for hospitals, leadership, public health, specialty roles, or graduate school.

How much do registered nurses make in Alabama?

O*NET’s BLS-based 2024 wage data lists Alabama registered nurses at a median annual wage of $71,040 and median hourly wage of $34.16. Pay varies by metro area, specialty, employer, shift, and experience.

Is Alabama a Nurse Licensure Compact state?

Yes. Alabama participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. The Alabama Board of Nursing says valid multistate license holders from other compact states do not need an Alabama RN or LPN license to practise in Alabama unless Alabama is their primary state of residence. APRNs still have additional Alabama approval requirements.

How do I become an RN in Alabama?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Alabama Board of Nursing, register for the NCLEX-RN, complete required documentation and eligibility steps, pass the NCLEX-RN, and receive licensure before practising.

How many nursing schools are in Alabama?

Alabama has many Board-approved nursing programs across universities, community colleges, private colleges, and prelicensure pathways. The exact number changes as programs open, close, pause, or change status, so use the Alabama Board of Nursing approved-program page for the current list.

What should I verify before applying?

Verify ABN approval, accreditation, latest NCLEX pass rate, multi-year trend, cohort size, completion rate, total cost, clinical sites, admission requirements, TEAS/HESI rules, remediation support, and RN-to-BSN or graduate-school mobility.

Final thoughts

Alabama has strong nursing options at both the university and community-college levels.

If you want a BSN, start by comparing Auburn, UA Capstone, UAH, UAB, University of South Alabama, Samford, Troy, University of Mobile, and UNA. If you want a lower-cost and faster RN route, Alabama’s ADN programs deserve serious attention, especially Southern Union State, Gadsden State, Wallace State-Hanceville, Northeast Alabama, Coastal Alabama, Snead State, Wallace-Dothan, and Jefferson State.

The best Alabama nursing school is not just the school with the highest one-year NCLEX percentage. It is the program you can get into, afford, complete, pass NCLEX from, and use to start the nursing career you actually want.