🌵 The Cheapest Accredited LPN Program in the US Is in Arizona

Pima Community College in Tucson runs an accredited LPN program for approximately $2,040 in tuition — the lowest in the entire country. GateWay Community College in Phoenix comes in under $4,000. Arizona's warm climate, growing healthcare market, and NLC compact membership make it one of the best value propositions in LPN education anywhere.

Find LPN Programs Near You in Arizona

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How Arizona LPN Costs Compare

$3,900
GateWay CC — Phoenix, AZ
$18,035
National Average
$30,000+
Private Schools (high end)

Most Affordable Programs

~$2,040

Pima Community College

Tucson, AZ

The cheapest accredited LPN program in the United States. Pima's practical nursing certificate program covers all required clinical hours at this remarkably low tuition. Located in Tucson with access to Banner Health and Tucson Medical Center clinical placements. Financial aid available — for Pell-eligible students, the program is essentially free with money left over.

~$3,900

GateWay Community College

Phoenix, AZ

Located in the Phoenix metro — Arizona's largest healthcare market. GateWay offers a practical nursing certificate with clinical placements at major Phoenix-area hospitals. The Phoenix metro employs the majority of Arizona's LPNs, making this a strong choice for post-graduation employment.

~$4,500

Mohave Community College

Kingman / Lake Havasu City, AZ

Serves rural northwestern Arizona with campuses in Kingman and Lake Havasu City. Strong clinical partnerships with local healthcare facilities. Ideal for students who want to work in rural Arizona — demand is high and competition for jobs is low.

~$4,200

Cochise College

Sierra Vista / Douglas, AZ

Located near Fort Huachuca — a major military installation. Strong pipeline for military spouses and veterans using GI Bill benefits. Rural southeastern Arizona has consistent LPN demand in border community healthcare.

LPN Salary in Arizona by Area

AreaAnnual SalaryHourlyNotes
Phoenix / Scottsdale / Mesa$58,000–$63,000$27.88–$30.29Largest AZ healthcare market
Tucson$54,000–$59,000$25.96–$28.37Banner Health + TMC + VA
Flagstaff / Northern AZ$52,000–$57,000$25.00–$27.40Higher cost of living but rural bonuses
Statewide Average (BLS)$57,800$27.79BLS May 2024

Financial Aid for Arizona LPN Students

Federal Pell GrantUp to $7,395/year

At Pima CC ($2,040), a Pell Grant covers the entire tuition three times over. Even partial Pell awards eliminate all out-of-pocket tuition costs at Arizona's cheapest programs.

Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)State need-based aid

Arizona's state grant program for residents attending eligible institutions. Stacks with Pell Grant for maximum aid coverage.

Banner Health Tuition SponsorshipTuition + employment

Banner Health — Arizona's largest healthcare employer — offers tuition assistance for employees pursuing nursing credentials. Contact Banner nursing recruitment directly.

WIOA Workforce GrantsUp to full tuition

Arizona WIOA programs cover LPN training for qualifying adults. Contact your local Arizona@Work center.

VA / GI BillFull coverage

Arizona has a large veteran population with multiple military installations. Fort Huachuca, Luke AFB, and Davis-Monthan AFB create strong veteran demand for LPN training.

Compare LPN Program Costs in Arizona

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Arizona is an NLC compact state. Your Arizona LPN license is valid in all other NLC member states without a separate application.
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Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions With Answers

Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in Arizona. Our sister site offers 50 free practice questions covering pharmacology, patient care, safety, and ethics — with full answer explanations so you can learn as you go.

Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest LPN program in the country?
Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona offers the cheapest accredited LPN program in the United States at approximately $2,040 in tuition. For Pell Grant-eligible students, the program costs nothing out of pocket.
Can I complete an LPN program online in Arizona?
No — Arizona requires in-person clinical hours for all LPN programs. Some programs offer hybrid formats with online lectures, but clinical components must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities.
How much do LPNs earn in Arizona?
Arizona LPNs earn an average of $57,800/year (BLS May 2024). Phoenix metro pays the most at $58,000–$63,000. Arizona's cost of living — particularly outside Phoenix — makes these salaries go further than the nominal figures suggest.
Is Arizona part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes — Arizona is an NLC member state. Your Arizona LPN license is valid in all other NLC states without a separate application, which is particularly valuable for border-state travel to Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Ready to Start Your LPN Career in Arizona?

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