2026 Best ADN Programs in Alabama

Given the breadth of opportunities in Alabama—41 Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs across the state, with 27 schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)—how does an aspiring nurse determine the right ones to apply to?

In a state often known as the “Heart of Dixie,” NCLEX passing rates for ADN students range between 63.50% and 93.50%. This range implies the presence of varying levels of educational quality across programs. Therefore, examining NCLEX passing rates could prove to be a useful benchmark in your decision-making process.

Another critical aspect to consider is the time frame. An ADN typically requires between 18 to 24 months to complete. Are you looking for a program that allows for quick entry into the field, or would you prefer one that offers a more extended period for study?

Finally, an essential factor in this equation is the cost. The net price to attend an ADN program in Alabama varies significantly, ranging from $2,651.00 to $22,526.00, with the average landing at $8,410.92. Can you strike a balance between educational quality and affordability?

By considering these key factors—accreditation, NCLEX passing rates, duration, and cost—you can identify the ADN programs that best suit your career ambitions, financial capabilities, and personal preferences.

ADN Programs in Alabama

ADN Programs Costs in Alabama

We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Alabama so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.

The lowest cost ADN program in Alabama is offered by George C Wallace State Community College-Dothan at about $2,651.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 83.20%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by  Florida Career College-Miami and it will cost about $22,526.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of  N/A%.

• Average Net-Price for ADN Programs in Alabama: $8,410.92
• Net-Price Range for Alabama ADN Programs: $2,651.00 to $22,526.00

2026 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Alabama

Navigating the labyrinth of educational possibilities can be daunting, especially when facing a sea of choices like 41 ADN programs offered in Alabama. With the ACEN accrediting 27 schools in Alabama, you may wonder, how do you determine which institutions are the cream of the crop, the ones to earnestly apply to?

In your quest, be mindful of key factors such as the NCLEX passing rate, the duration of the program, the cost of attendance, and student borrowing patterns. The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Alabama fluctuates between 63.50% and 93.50%, a wide gap that calls for careful consideration. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), typically requires 18 to 24 months of your time – a substantial investment.

Moving on to finances, the net price to attend an Alabama ADN program ranges from $2,651.00 to $22,526.00, with an average net price of $8,410.92. Factor in student loans, as Alabama ADN students tend to borrow between $1,325.00 and $25,000.00, with the average student borrowing standing at $9,357.82.

By integrating all these elements, we’ve developed a ranking methodology designed to aid prospective nursing students in their school search. Our approach to ranking ADN programs in Alabama revolves around averaging the last three years of the first-time NCLEX passing rate, taking into account the program’s accreditation and affordability. Our primary goal is to guide you to a nursing program that will equip you for the rigors and joys of a nursing career. For a comprehensive understanding of our ranking process, see our ranking methodology.

#1 Associate Degree in Nursing

Coastal Alabama CC (Alabama Southern)

94.91% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2800 South Alabama Avenue, , AL - 36460
• 
  2515753156

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.91%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Coastal Alabama CC (Southern State) provides ADN, LPN, and a Mobility (LPN and paramedic to ADN) degrees similar to its brethren in James H Faulkner State. 

Ranking as one of the top nursing colleges in the state, Coastal Alabama CC aims to provide quality, patient-centered nursing education to produce nurses who can effectively integrate evidence-based practices to provide compassionate, patient-centered care when they graduate. 

The school prides itself in its highly sophisticated simulation labs designed to provide guided yet autonomous learning in a safe and controlled environment. The labs allow nursing students to develop their skills in various areas like critical thinking, clinical judgment, teamwork, communication, prioritization, etc.

The highly competitive nursing program at Coastal Alabama CC encourages students to constantly better themselves and redefine new limits for themselves. The school also provides financial aid in different forms to encourage students and ensure that finance doesn’t interfere with getting a quality education.

#2 Associate Degree in Nursing

George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

93.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL - 35077-2000
• 
  (256) 352-8000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 123
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $1,600
• Percent Received Aid: 80%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,976
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 45%

Wallace State Community College is located in Hanceville, Alabama, and they offer both an LPN and an RN program. The Wallace State Department of Nursing's goal is to produce nursing graduates "who are dedicated and exceptional healthcare providers committed to transforming the lives of patients, families, and the community."  Wallace State Community College also has an articulation agreement with University of Alabama, which allows its graduates to pursue their bachelor's or master's degree of nursing.

#3 Associate Degree in Nursing

Coastal Alabama CC (James H Faulkner State)

92.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1900 U S Highway 31 South, Bay Minette, AL - 36507-2698
• 
  (251) 580-2100

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 169
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $1,500
• Percent Received Aid: 86%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,217
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 19%

Coastal Alabama Community College is located in Bay Minette, Alabama and is known to have one of the lowest tuition rates in Alabama. It is a is a public community college with nine campuses across southern Alabama. The current nursing school was established in 2017 through the consolidation of Alabama Southern Community College, Faulkner State Community College, and Jefferson Davis Community College.  They offer a number of nursing programs - an LPN program, a nursing mobility program (LPN to RN), and an RN program. Nursing graduates from Faulkner State Community College are prepared to be critical thinkers, practicing safely and effectively in a variety of healthcare settings.

Aiming to provide quality, affordable educational opportunities through a variety of instructional strategies, the nursing school offers two highly sophisticated simulation labs and has integrated Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) and National League of Nursing (NLN) into their philosophy in order to provide quality nursing education that is in-step with the ever-changing global healthcare scenario.

By offering various nursing academic paths to earn an RN degree, Coastal Alabama Community College offers nursing students a way to earn a highly sought after nursing degree from one of the top educational institutions in the state.

Undergraduate Programs - Associate Degree Nursing (RN) is a full-time day course that runs for a total of five semesters. However, students who successfully complete the first three semesters or 45 credit hours are awarded with a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate and can take the licensure examination to become an LPN. After successful completion of the five-semester program, students will be awarded an ADN, and will be eligible to take the licensure exam to become an RN.

The Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate Program is also a full-time day course, this program runs for three semesters, and students will be eligible to take the licensure exam to become an LPN. Alternatively, graduates of this program can also apply for the Mobility (LPN to RN) program so as to complete the associate degree in nursing after they pass their NCLEX-RN.

Their Mobility LPN and Paramedics to ADN program is a day program designed for current Alabama licensed LPNs and Paramedics who want to complete their ADN.

#4 Associate Degree in Nursing

Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus

91.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL - 35221-1717
• 
  (205) 925-2515

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 79
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $2,300
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,130
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 21%

Lawson State Community College is located in Birmingham, Alabama; there is also a campus in Bessemer, Alabama for an evening RN program.  The school boasts that their nursing program is competitive and prestigious - and difficult to gain entrance.  Although their is a minimum GPA requirement, it is recommended to maintain a high GPA and perform at a high level in all science courses.  It is even recommended that their students take additional biology classes to ready themselves for their nursing program - classes that are not required for the nursing program.

#5 Associate Degree in Nursing

Coastal Alabama CC (Jefferson Davis)

91.35% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  220 Alco Dr, , AL - 36426
• 
  2518674832

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.35%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Coastal Alabama CC (Jefferson Davis) is passionate when it comes to developing quality nursing professionals who provide compassionate, patient-centered care and can lead the way when it comes to developing nursing practice. The educational programs here are supportive of the students, inclusive, and affordable.

The high-fidelity simulation labs help students develop high competencies when it comes to nursing skills before they go out to the field. The students also practice in hospitals with highly-trained faculties and further perfect their skills and knowledge before attaining their degree as nursing professionals.

The alumni praise the small class sizes and close knit community at Coastal Alabama CC that helped them develop the much needed confidence and gave them a safe space to learn. Small class sizes mean that the instructors know most if not all the students, and everyone is treated equally, and everyone is welcomed and cared for.

Undergraduate Programs: The college offers an Associate Degree Nursing program that prepares students to practice as competent RNs after successfully completing their NCLEX-RN exam.

There is also a Practical Nursing (LPN) program that can either be studied on its own or students can take their Practical Nursing Certificate upon the completion of their third semester. The students with this certificate are eligible to take the practical nursing licensure exam for LPNs.

What’s more is that Coastal Alabama offers a mobility LPN to ADN degree for those with a LPN or other paramedic license who want to take a chance and become RNs.

#6 Associate Degree in Nursing

Southern Union State Community College

91.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  750 Roberts St, Wadley, AL - 36276
• 
  (256) 395-2211

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 93
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $1,400
• Percent Received Aid: 95%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,831
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 24%

Southern Union State Community College has multiple campuses in Alabama- Wadley, Opelika, and Valley.  The RN school is housed on the Opelika campus.  Their RN program is unique in that it offers mobility programs for not just LPNs seeking to become RNs, but also paramedics seeking to become RNs.

Nursing Programs Offered by Alabama Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 39
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 9
• CNL: 4
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Nurse Educator: 2
• Nursing Administration: 2
• Nursing Informatics: 2
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Nurse Anesthetist: 1
• Nursing Leadership: 1

Alabama Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• University of Alabama at Birmingham: 11
• University of South Alabama: 11
• South University-Montgomery: 6
• Samford University: 6
• Troy University – Troy: 5
• University of Alabama in Huntsville: 3
• University of Alabama: 3
• Auburn University at Montgomery: 2
• Auburn University: 2
• Spring Hill College: 2

ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Alabama Nurses

An indispensable part of pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is securing the funds necessary to cover the costs of education. Numerous financial aid options are available, offering a path toward lessening the burden of academic expenses. Here, we’ll delve into three primary financial aid sources: loans, grants, and scholarships.

• Loans: Often provided by the federal government, private banks, or the school itself, loans represent borrowed money that must be repaid over time, typically with interest. It’s crucial to understand the repayment terms and interest rates before taking out a loan.
• Grants: Essentially “gift aid”, grants are funds that do not have to be repaid. They are often based on financial need and can come from various sources, including the federal and state governments, or the school itself.
• Scholarships: These funds are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, talent, or specific demographic characteristics. Like grants, scholarships do not need to be repaid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms the linchpin in securing any of these financial aid types. This application collects information about a student’s financial situation, which is used to determine eligibility for federal aid and often by the states and colleges to determine institutional aid. To apply for financial aid, you can complete the FAFSA for free here.

Here’s a list of scholarships specifically for ADN students in Alabama:

• Alabama Nurses Foundation Scholarship: Open to all nursing students enrolled in an Alabama school of nursing. Candidates must be in good academic standing.
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Application Deadline Month: February
  • URL: Alabama Nurses Foundation Scholarship
• Alabama Board of Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to ADN students who agree to work as nurses in Alabama upon graduation.
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Application Deadline Month: March
  • URL: Alabama Board of Nursing Scholarship
• Alabama Health Care Scholarship: This scholarship is available to Alabama students studying for healthcare careers, including nursing. The recipient must agree to work in a healthcare facility in Alabama for at least one year after graduation.
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Application Deadline Month: May
  • URL: Alabama Health Care Scholarship

Each scholarship comes with its own set of requirements, so thoroughly investigate each one to maximize your chances of securing aid.

Alabama Resources for ADNs

Embarking on an educational journey towards an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Alabama entails not just coursework, but also access to a network of resources. These resources can aid prospective nurses in a variety of ways, from understanding the licensing process to exploring job opportunities upon graduation. The following are notable state and organizational resources that are integral to any nursing student’s journey in Alabama.

• Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) – The ABN is the state agency responsible for the regulation of the nursing profession in Alabama. It provides licensure information, practice act rules, and other valuable resources. Visit ABN
• Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) – ASNA is a professional organization of registered nurses in Alabama. It offers educational resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its members. Visit ASNA
• Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS) – AANS serves as a supportive community for nursing students in Alabama, offering information on scholarships, conferences, and leadership opportunities. Visit AANS
• Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA) – AlaHA provides a comprehensive directory of hospitals and health systems in Alabama, serving as an excellent resource for job-seeking nursing graduates. Visit AlaHA

Tapping into these resources can help enhance your nursing education experience in Alabama, setting you on the right path to a rewarding nursing career.

Find ADN Programs in Your State

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ADN Sources

1. Board of Nursing for Alabama: This is the official regulatory body for nursing in the state of Alabama. It oversees licensure, education, practice, and discipline of nurses to ensure public safety and welfare.
2. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Alabama: This database provides a wealth of information on universities and colleges in Alabama, including program offerings, graduation rates, and financial aid statistics.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Alabama: This source offers up-to-date labor statistics for various professions in Alabama, including nursing. Here, you’ll find data on employment, wages, and projections for the field.

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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.

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