UNA Anderson College of Nursing: Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
UNA’s Anderson College of Nursing has posted NCLEX‑RN outcomes above state and national averages in recent years and offers BSN and RN‑to‑BSN pathways from a public university campus in Florence. This page gives a high‑level snapshot to pair with UNA’s own materials as you plan for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UNA’s Anderson College of Nursing offers a public‑university BSN option with strong NCLEX‑RN performance and multiple undergraduate pathways, at a price point that’s often lower than private schools. If you want a regional public campus and a BSN with solid licensure outcomes, UNA is worth adding to your shortlist.
Overview & Why Students Consider UNA Anderson College of Nursing
The University of North Alabama is a public institution in Florence, Alabama. Its Anderson College of Nursing gives students a BSN pathway that has, in recent years, posted NCLEX‑RN pass rates above state and national averages, while keeping costs closer to public‑university levels than many private alternatives.
Nursing Programs Offered
Based on public summaries, UNA offers several undergraduate pathways plus graduate‑level options in nursing. Names, tracks, and formats can evolve, so always confirm details on UNA’s official site.
Traditional BSN
Pre‑licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed for students beginning their nursing studies at the undergraduate level.
Accelerated BSN
Accelerated BSN option for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want a faster route into nursing.
RN‑to‑BSN
Completion program for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma who want to earn a BSN, often delivered in a flexible or online format.
The sources used for this guide mention RN‑to‑MSN and other graduate nursing programs at UNA, but did not provide comprehensive, up‑to‑date detail. For the full list of MSN, DNP, and other options, refer to the official Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions website.
NCLEX-RN Outcomes Snapshot
UNA has highlighted periods where its NCLEX‑RN pass rates led or nearly led Alabama’s public institutions, and recent third‑party summaries point to a strong three‑year average.
| Metric | High‑level snapshot |
|---|---|
| 3‑year BSN NCLEX‑RN average | Approximately 94–95% according to recent NCLEX‑based summaries and rankings. |
| Example single‑year result | One University of North Alabama press release cites a ~98% NCLEX‑RN pass rate for a recent year, placing UNA near the top among Alabama public institutions at that time. |
| Comparison to benchmarks | These outcomes sit above some published Alabama and national BSN averages for the time periods discussed. |
This NCLEX section is a high‑level snapshot drawn from public UNA press materials and third‑party summaries. For precise, current numbers, ask UNA’s Anderson College of Nursing for its latest NCLEX‑RN outcomes and compare them with the Alabama Board of Nursing report.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UNA enrolls international students in many programs, and Alabama licenses internationally educated nurses. However, the exact steps you need to follow depend on your background and goals.
- English‑language requirements: Confirm which tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) and minimum scores UNA currently requires for nursing applicants.
- Transcript evaluation: Ask whether foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES, ECE, CGFNS, or another approved service and how to submit them.
- Licensure rules: For foreign‑educated nurses seeking Alabama RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, documentation, and any evaluation steps with the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- Visa & clinicals: Clarify which nursing programs are approved for student visas and how clinical rotations are managed under visa regulations.
Use this as guidance only. Requirements change frequently, so always verify specifics with UNA’s international admissions office and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Admissions: Entering UNA’s Nursing Programs
Admission to UNA is separate from admission to upper‑division nursing. Public summaries don’t capture every admissions nuance, so treat this as a general framework.
| Step | What to expect (high‑level) |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply to UNA | Submit an undergraduate application and be admitted to the university, often with a pre‑nursing or related status. |
| 2. Complete prerequisite courses | Finish sciences, math, and support courses required for BSN admission with minimum grades as set by the Anderson College of Nursing. |
| 3. Meet GPA requirements | Maintain the minimum overall and/or pre‑nursing GPA that UNA currently requires for BSN or accelerated BSN entry. |
| 4. Apply to the nursing cohort | Submit a separate application to the Anderson College of Nursing by term‑specific deadlines to be considered for BSN or accelerated BSN seats. |
UNA’s official BSN/accelerated BSN admissions pages and nursing handbooks will have the precise prerequisites, GPA thresholds, and deadlines. Use this guide for context and questions to ask, but treat UNA’s own materials as the final word.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UNA’s published tuition and cost‑of‑attendance tables provide a clear picture of sticker costs for in‑state and out‑of‑state undergraduates.
| Metric (2025–2026, approximate) | Value |
|---|---|
| In‑state tuition (12–18 hours) | ~$5,100 per semester (~$10,200 per year) |
| Required fees (estimate) | ~$1,425 per semester (~$2,850 per year) |
| In‑state tuition + fees (year) | ~$13,050 per year |
| Out‑of‑state tuition | About double the in‑state tuition before fees (roughly $20,400 per year plus fees) |
| Additional costs | Housing, meal plans, books, dining dollars, and other expenses increase total cost of attendance beyond tuition and fees. |
These ranges are rounded from UNA’s 2025–2026 cost‑of‑attendance information. For accurate, personalized estimates—including housing and meal plans—use UNA’s official tuition calculator and cost‑of‑attendance tools.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Third‑party summaries and UNA press materials emphasize strong NCLEX‑RN performance and competitive rankings at various points in time. More detailed job placement and salary data were not included in the inputs for this guide.
| Metric | High‑level snapshot |
|---|---|
| NCLEX‑RN outcomes | Recent averages in the mid‑90% range, with at least one year near 98% and rankings that place UNA among Alabama’s stronger public BSN programs. |
| Graduate destinations | Graduates work as RNs across regional hospitals, clinics, and other health settings; specific employer lists vary by cohort. |
Is UNA Anderson College of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Fit depends on your budget, preferred campus size, and whether you want a regional public‑university environment rather than a big flagship or private college.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Prefer a public university with strong NCLEX‑RN results and BSN pathways
- Want options like accelerated BSN and RN‑to‑BSN alongside a traditional program
- Are comfortable in a mid‑sized campus in a smaller city rather than a major metro
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need the very lowest‑cost ADN starting point at a community college
- Are looking for a very large flagship or urban academic‑medical‑center environment
- Want a fully online pre‑licensure BSN (UNA still requires on‑site labs and clinicals)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Florence sits in northwest Alabama along the Tennessee River, with local hospitals and clinics serving the Shoals region. While not a major metro like Birmingham or Mobile, this setting offers community‑oriented care environments and regional referral centers where nursing students can complete clinical rotations.
Student Experience & Campus Life
As a UNA student, you experience a traditional campus setting with athletics, student organizations, and campus events in Florence. For nursing majors, that means balancing science and clinical work with broader campus life, rather than attending a commuter‑only or fully online institution.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Florence, AL
- Address
- 1 Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL 35632, US
- Telephone
- (256) 765-4100
- Website
- www.una.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Review UNA’s BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN‑to‑BSN admissions pages and write down prerequisites, GPA rules, and deadlines.
- Use the tuition calculator and cost‑of‑attendance page to estimate your yearly budget, including housing and meal plans.
- Ask the Anderson College of Nursing for its latest NCLEX‑RN outcomes and how they compare with state and national BSN averages.
- Schedule time with a UNA advisor to discuss which pathway best suits your academic background and timeline.
- Reach out to at least one current UNA nursing student or recent alum for insights on clinicals, faculty support, and campus life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UNA Anderson College of Nursing a good school for nursing?
Public NCLEX‑RN summaries and UNA press materials suggest that the BSN program performs well compared with many other Alabama schools. Whether it is the right choice for you depends on your budget, preferred campus size, and how UNA compares to other programs on your list.
Can I complete UNA’s BSN fully online?
No. Pre‑licensure BSN and accelerated BSN programs require in‑person labs and clinicals. Some RN‑to‑BSN coursework may be more online‑friendly, but you should still expect program‑specific requirements.
References
- University of North Alabama — Anderson College of Nursing & Health Professionsuna.edu/nursing
- UNA press releases and NCLEX‑related newsuna.edu/pressroom
- Independent NCLEX‑RN summaries & rankings referencing UNArncareers.org (UNA)
- UNA — cost of attendance and tuition calculatoruna.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
- Alabama Board of Nursing — NCLEX statistics & approvalsabn.alabama.gov
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence‑based nursing education guides focused on licensure outcomes, admissions clarity, and career readiness for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, financial, or immigration advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, outcomes, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 12, 2026 · Last reviewed: Jun 9, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy