2026 Most Affordable Nursing Degree Programs Ranking in Memphis

What can I expect from nursing degree in Memphis?

A nursing degree in Memphis usually combines science prerequisites, nursing theory, simulation labs, supervised clinical rotations, and NCLEX preparation. The experience depends heavily on the credential you choose: ADN programs are typically shorter and more affordable, BSN programs provide broader preparation, and accelerated BSN pathways serve students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Students should expect clinical placements to be a major part of the experience. These rotations help connect classroom concepts with real patient care and are often the most important preparation for NCLEX success and first nursing jobs. When comparing programs, ask how clinical sites are assigned, whether evening or weekend options exist, and how the school supports students who struggle in science-heavy courses.

Programs at Baptist Health Sciences University also emphasize strong job placement, which can help students evaluate whether the tuition investment aligns with career goals.

Where can I work with nursing degree in Memphis?

Nursing graduates in Memphis can work across a broad healthcare network that includes hospitals, specialty centers, outpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and private practices. Graduates from institutions such as the University of Memphis and Methodist College often pursue hospital-based roles first because acute care settings provide structured onboarding, broad patient exposure, and opportunities to specialize.

Prominent employment settings include Saint Francis Hospital, where roles in emergency medicine, intensive care, and surgical specialties may offer professional growth and competitive wages starting above $31 per hour. Nurses interested in pediatric specialty care or research may also consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is known for advanced nursing roles and mission-driven patient care.

Beyond hospitals, nursing professionals can work in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient surgery centers, physician practices, community clinics, public health settings, home health, and long-term care. These environments may offer different schedules, patient populations, and stress levels than hospital roles.

Per diem and PRN positions can also appeal to graduates who are continuing school, managing family responsibilities, or seeking more control over their schedules. With over 525 nursing job openings reported locally as of late 2025, Memphis offers multiple entry points for new and experienced nurses.

How much can I make with nursing degree in Memphis?

Nursing salaries in Memphis vary by credential, experience, employer, shift, unit, and specialty. Entry-level registered nurses often start around $66, 757 annually, while many recent graduates from Memphis-area colleges aim for RN positions near the local median salary of approximately $62, 390 per year.

The average hourly wage for nursing graduates entering Memphis hospitals is about $45. 42. Overtime, night shifts, weekend differentials, specialty certification, and high-demand units can also affect take-home pay. Students should compare salary potential against tuition, fees, loan debt, and the time required to complete the degree.

How long does it take to complete nursing degree in Memphis?

The time required to complete a nursing degree in Memphis depends on your starting point, program format, transfer credits, and whether you study full time. In general, nursing education can take from 12 months to four years.

Shorter programs can reduce time away from the workforce, but they can also be academically demanding. Longer BSN programs may cost more and take more time, but they often include broader general education, leadership content, and preparation for future graduate study. Before enrolling, ask how many hours per week students typically spend in class, lab, clinical rotations, and independent study.

Nursing School Accreditation and Recognition

Accreditation should be one of the first filters you apply when comparing nursing schools in Memphis. A program may appear affordable, but it is not a good investment if it does not meet the standards required for licensure, clinical preparation, employer recognition, or future academic progression.

For nursing students, the most important forms of quality assurance typically include institutional accreditation, nursing program accreditation, and approval from the appropriate state nursing board. Nursing program accreditation from organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) signals that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support, clinical training, and assessment practices have been reviewed against recognized standards.

Accreditation can affect several practical outcomes:

• Licensure eligibility: Graduates generally need to complete an approved nursing program before applying for the NCLEX-RN and state licensure.
• Employment options: Hospitals and healthcare systems often prefer or require candidates from accredited nursing programs.
• Transfer and graduate study: Credits and degrees from accredited programs are more likely to be recognized by other colleges and advanced nursing programs.
• Financial aid access: Accreditation may affect eligibility for federal financial aid and certain scholarships.

Prospective students should confirm accreditation on the accreditor’s website rather than relying only on marketing materials. If cost is your main concern, start with accredited options and then compare net price, fees, and clinical access. Research.com’s guide to an affordable nursing school in Tennessee can help you broaden your search while keeping quality and affordability in view.

What's the difference between online and on-campus nursing degree?

The main difference between online and on-campus nursing programs is how didactic coursework is delivered. Both formats still require hands-on clinical training, skills practice, and compliance with licensure requirements. Nursing cannot be completed entirely through online coursework because students must demonstrate patient-care skills in approved settings.

On-campus students often benefit from immediate access to instructors, classmates, and lab resources. Online students may value the ability to complete lectures and assignments around work or family obligations. In both cases, students should ask how clinical placements are arranged, whether virtual simulations are used, and how quickly faculty respond when students need academic or technical support.

Program Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Quality assurance in nursing education is not limited to a school’s reputation. It includes formal review of the curriculum, clinical training, faculty credentials, student outcomes, and improvement processes. For Memphis students, this matters because nursing is a licensed profession with direct responsibility for patient safety.

Prospective students should look for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), along with approval by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. These reviews help confirm that programs maintain appropriate standards for classroom instruction, simulation, supervised clinical experiences, and student evaluation.

Quality indicators worth comparing

• NCLEX-RN pass rates: These can show how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
• Clinical partnerships: Strong relationships with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities can improve hands-on training access.
• Faculty qualifications: Faculty experience in clinical practice, teaching, and specialty areas can affect student preparation.
• Simulation and lab resources: Updated skills labs and simulation environments support practice before direct patient care.
• Student support: Advising, tutoring, remediation, and career services can help students complete demanding programs.

Accredited schools must demonstrate continuous improvement through regular reporting and site visits. Before applying, verify accreditation directly through CCNE or ACEN and compare available NCLEX pass rates and employment statistics. Students willing to compare options beyond Memphis can also review the Inexpensive Nursing Degree Programs Ranking in the West for additional accredited, cost-conscious programs.

What is the average cost of nursing degree in Memphis?

The average cost of a nursing degree in Memphis depends on the credential, school type, residency status, program length, and fees. For students pursuing nursing locally, the median in-state total cost is approximately $12, 095. This can reflect lower-cost options at institutions such as Southwest Tennessee Community College.

BSN programs generally cost more. The median total cost, whether in-state or out-of-state, averages around $27, 852. Students considering institutions such as the University of Memphis should compare tuition with clinical access, graduation timelines, NCLEX preparation, and employer connections. Out-of-state students may face tuition fees at or above this median because non-resident tuition can be higher.

Students should also budget beyond tuition. Books, uniforms, lab fees, background checks, immunizations, drug screening, transportation to clinical sites, licensing applications, and NCLEX-related costs can add to the total price. Scholarships, grants, payment plans, and employer tuition assistance can reduce the net cost.

Accelerated options may cost more per term but can reduce the time spent out of the workforce. Students comparing shorter pathways can review fast degree programs to understand how compressed timelines may affect both cost and scheduling.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Graduating from a nursing program does not automatically make someone a licensed nurse. Memphis graduates who plan to practice as registered nurses must satisfy Tennessee Board of Nursing requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam measures readiness in areas such as patient care, pharmacology, safety, health promotion, and clinical decision-making.

The licensure process typically includes submitting official transcripts, completing a criminal background check, registering for the NCLEX-RN, and paying required application and testing fees—typically totaling around $200. Because processing times can vary, students should not wait until the final week of their program to begin preparing application materials.

What to look for in a licensure-focused program

• NCLEX-RN pass rates: Programs with strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, ideally above 85%, may indicate better alignment between coursework and licensure preparation.
• Clinical variety: Rotations across medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity, psychiatric, and community health settings can build broader readiness.
• Academic support: Tutoring, test-prep resources, simulation labs, and remediation plans can help students stay on track.
• Clear compliance guidance: The school should explain background checks, immunizations, drug screens, and clinical documentation deadlines.

After passing the NCLEX-RN, nurses receive their Tennessee RN license, which must be renewed biennially. Renewal requires completing at least 30 continuing education hours, including mandatory pharmacology credits, and paying a $55 renewal fee.

RNs who want to move into advanced practice roles, such as Nurse Practitioner positions, usually need graduate education and national certification. High-quality rn to np bridge programs can provide the academic coursework and clinical hours required for certification through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

What financial aid is available to nursing degree students in Memphis?

Memphis nursing students may qualify for several types of financial aid, including federal aid, institutional scholarships, state and local scholarships, employer tuition assistance, service-based scholarships, and private awards. The right mix depends on the student’s program level, financial need, academic standing, and career goals.

Examples of nursing financial aid options

• Institutional scholarships: At the University of Memphis College of Nursing, the Lourene P. Fleming BSN Scholarship supports juniors and seniors who maintain strong academic performance and may focus on specialized care areas such as intensive or cardiac nursing.
• Graduate scholarships: Graduate students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center may find support through the Fredrika and Joel Felt Endowed Scholarship and the Elizabeth Club Scholarship.
• National awards: The AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship provides $2,500 awards multiple times per year.
• Service-based funding: The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program covers tuition and fees in exchange for service in underserved communities.
• LPN-to-RN support: The Tennessee Nurses Foundation provides $5,000 scholarships for students advancing from LPN to RN.
• School scholarship portals: Tools such as Tiger Scholarship Manager can help students identify and apply for institutional funding.

Students should submit the FAFSA as early as possible, check scholarship deadlines each term, and ask nursing departments about awards that require separate applications. Because clinical schedules can limit work hours, aid planning should include living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

Accreditation and NCLEX Pass Rates

Accreditation and NCLEX pass rates are among the clearest indicators of whether a nursing program is preparing students for licensure. Before enrolling, look for Tennessee Board of Nursing approval, CCNE or ACEN accreditation where applicable, and a consistent record of first-time NCLEX-RN performance.

Use these figures as one part of your evaluation. A strong pass rate is encouraging, but students should also review admission selectivity, remediation support, graduation rates, clinical placements, and total cost. Nurses planning for doctoral-level clinical roles can also compare advanced options such as the cheapest dnp online program.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in nursing degree program in Memphis?

Nursing program admission in Memphis is usually competitive. Applicants should expect academic prerequisites, minimum grades, standardized test requirements for some pathways, and documentation showing readiness for professional training.

At institutions such as the University of Memphis or Baptist College of Health Sciences, applicants may need a cumulative college GPA of at least 3. 0. Prerequisite courses often include chemistry, biology, psychology, mathematics, and English composition, with a minimum grade of "C. " Science coursework may need to be recent, and some programs apply a five-year limit on science courses.

Common prerequisite expectations

• Two semesters of biology with labs
• Chemistry with lab requirements
• General psychology
• Algebra or precalculus
• English composition
• A minimum of 60 credit hours before admission to the nursing major
• For some freshmen applicants, an ACT score of 23 or higher, with no section below 21
• Supporting materials such as a resume, letter of interest, and references

Transfer students may also need a letter of good standing from any previous nursing program. This helps schools evaluate not only grades, but also professional conduct and eligibility to continue in clinical education. Before applying, confirm whether prerequisites must be completed before the deadline or may be in progress at the time of application.

Accreditation and Licensure Requirements

Accreditation and licensure are connected, but they are not the same. Accreditation evaluates the quality of a nursing program. Licensure is the legal permission to practice as a nurse after meeting state requirements and passing the required exam. Memphis students should evaluate both before choosing a school.

What to verify before applying

• Nursing program accreditation: Look for ACEN or CCNE accreditation when comparing ADN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing options.
• State approval: Confirm that the program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
• NCLEX eligibility: Ask the school to explain how completion of the program qualifies graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN.
• Clinical placement access: Confirm where clinical rotations are completed and whether placements are arranged by the school.
• Financial aid eligibility: Verify institutional accreditation and federal aid eligibility through official sources.

Students interested in advancing from an RN credential to a bachelor’s degree should also check that the program they choose supports future academic progression. For example, Research.com’s list of cheapest online bsn programs can help working nurses compare lower-cost accredited options.

Licensure process after graduation

After completing an accredited and approved nursing program, graduates must apply for licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Common requirements include official transcripts, fingerprint-based criminal background checks, and completion of the NCLEX-RN application. Once approved, candidates receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and schedule the NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE.

To avoid delays, begin organizing documents before graduation. Keep copies of transcripts, immunization records, CPR certification, TEAS scores, background check materials, and school communications in one secure digital file. Students should also consider NCLEX preparation early, especially if their program’s testing format differs from their usual coursework.

What courses are typically in nursing degree programs in Memphis?

Nursing degree programs in Memphis typically begin with science and general education coursework before moving into professional nursing courses. These early courses help students build the academic foundation needed for safe clinical practice.

Common prerequisite courses

• English composition
• Chemistry
• Anatomy and physiology with labs
• Microbiology
• Psychology
• Nutrition
• Mathematics such as precalculus

After admission to the nursing major, students usually complete about 60 to 67 credit hours of specialized nursing coursework. Common subjects include pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, adult health, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, mental health nursing, community health, leadership, ethics, and evidence-based practice.

Clinical education is a defining part of nursing training. Memphis students may complete rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings, applying classroom knowledge to patient care under supervision. Some programs include nearly 800 clinical hours, giving students repeated opportunities to build assessment, communication, medication, documentation, and care-planning skills.

What types of specializations are available in nursing degree programs in Memphis?

Nursing specializations in Memphis allow students and working nurses to align their education with specific patient populations, care settings, and career goals. The available options depend on the degree level. Undergraduate students may encounter specialty clinical rotations, while graduate students may pursue formal advanced practice tracks.

At institutions such as the University of Memphis and Baptist Health Sciences University, students may find RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways with clinical exposure in pediatrics, adult health, and mental health nursing. These areas reflect the broad patient-care needs found across Memphis healthcare settings.

Common specialization areas

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Prepares nurses for primary care roles, including care for underserved communities.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Supports patients with mental health needs and responds to local demand for behavioral health services.
• Geriatric Nursing: Focuses on care for older adults and chronic condition management.
• Neonatal Nursing: Prepares nurses to care for newborns and infants, often through graduate-level or specialty clinical pathways.
• Pediatric, adult health, and mental health nursing: Common clinical focus areas in undergraduate and RN-to-BSN education.

Students seeking additional flexibility may also compare broader online options, including online colleges with open enrollment, while confirming that any nursing-specific pathway meets accreditation, clinical, and licensure requirements.

How do you choose the best nursing degree in Memphis?

The best nursing degree in Memphis is the one that matches your current education level, budget, schedule, licensure goal, and long-term career plan. A lower-cost ADN may be the right first step for one student, while a BSN or accelerated BSN may better serve another student seeking broader preparation or faster advancement.

Decision checklist

• Choose the right credential: ADN programs can provide a quicker, lower-cost path to RN licensure, while BSN programs often include broader leadership, research, and community health preparation.
• Confirm accreditation: Look for recognition from bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and verify state approval.
• Review NCLEX outcomes: Strong pass rates can indicate effective licensure preparation.
• Compare clinical placements: Ask whether students train at major Memphis healthcare sites such as Regional One Health and how placements are assigned.
• Evaluate flexibility: Working students may need evening, weekend, online, or hybrid options.
• Calculate total cost: Include tuition, fees, supplies, transportation, exam costs, and lost work time.
• Assess support services: Look for tutoring, advising, simulation labs, career services, and NCLEX preparation.

Graduates from institutions such as the University of Memphis often point to BSN preparation and clinical exposure as valuable for entering a competitive healthcare environment. Students who are thinking beyond entry-level nursing may also explore advanced education options, including a doctorate degree no dissertation, depending on their long-term academic and professional goals.

What career paths are available for nursing degree students in Memphis?

Nursing degree students in Memphis can pursue career paths in direct patient care, specialty nursing, leadership, education, public health, and advanced practice. Most graduates begin by seeking licensure and working as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.

Major employers and clinical environments in the area include Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. New RNs may begin in medical-surgical units, emergency departments, intensive care, pediatrics, oncology, long-term care, rehabilitation, or community health settings.

Potential nursing career paths

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Operating Room Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Educator
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Long-term care nurse
• Pediatric or specialty care nurse

Advanced roles usually require additional education, certification, and clinical experience. Students who need flexible pathways while working can compare programs among the top universities online to identify options that align with licensure, advancement, and scheduling needs.

What is the job market for nursing degree in Memphis?

The nursing job market in Memphis is supported by major healthcare institutions, specialty hospitals, community clinics, long-term care providers, and an aging population. Employers such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Regional One Health contribute to demand for nurses across acute care, specialty care, and community-based services.

Registered nurses typically earn around $64,000 annually in Memphis, reflecting a competitive balance with local living costs. Nursing job opportunities in Memphis 2026 are expected to grow by approximately 12%, driven by the city's aging population and expanding healthcare services.

Graduates may find positions in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient centers, and community clinics. Specialized skills in pediatrics, intensive care, surgery, and mental health can improve employment options. BSN-prepared nurses may also be more competitive for leadership, specialty, or advancement-oriented roles.

Because many students must work while enrolled, affordability and flexibility matter. Some compare community colleges, state universities, and affordable online universities for working students to balance income, tuition, and scheduling demands.