How much does nursing school cost?

The cost of nursing school can vary widely depending on the type of program you choose and the school you attend. Average tuition ranges from $6,000 for a two-year program at a community college to more than $200,000 for a four-year degree from a university. Of course, tuition isn't the only expense involved in earning a nursing degree. Here's a look at the cost of nursing school today, with tips on how to finance your education.

Nursing school tuition by degree

Average tuition for nursing school can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private school and if you qualify for in-state tuition. Public in-state tuition for nursing programs is often the most affordable option compared to private out-of-state tuition.

Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program prepares students to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. This diploma typically takes about 12 months to complete and costs $2,000 to $18,000, depending on the school.

Associate Degree in Nursing

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree that prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become registered nurses (RNs). Many community colleges offer this degree, which can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a more comprehensive education in nursing, including coursework in public health, nursing ethics and microbiology. It typically takes four years to complete at a university. After graduating, you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The average cost of a BSN program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per year.

Master of Science in Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles or specialized knowledge in certain areas. This degree usually takes two additional years to complete after earning a BSN and typically costs over $30,000 in total average tuition.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares a professional nurse for administrative and executive nursing roles. In many states, DNPs can run their own private practices. It typically requires three to four years of study beyond the MSN and costs an average of $21,318 to $38,912 in total average tuition.

Nursing school expenses

Beyond tuition, you need to budget for several additional expenses while attending nursing school.

• Books and supplies: Like other college students, you need textbooks for your nursing education, and these can be expensive. You may also need specialized supplies like a stethoscope. Expect to spend around $2,000 to $3,000 per academic year on books and supplies.
• Uniforms: Nursing school students are often required to wear specific scrubs and shoes. A new pair of quality scrubs costs around $85, but cheaper options do exist.
• Living expenses: You'll need to cover housing, food and other normal living costs while attending nursing school. Your costs will depend on where you live and your lifestyle.
• Transportation: Nursing programs typically require “clinicals.” Clinicals involve working on your practical nursing skills under the supervision of an RN instructor in various health care settings, such as a hospital, long-term care facility or surgical clinic. Clinical rotations may require you to travel to these facilities several days a week, so you'll need a car or another way to reliably get yourself there.
• Miscellaneous fees: Your school may charge several fees each semester, such as technology, health, student activity, recreation and student services fees. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 per semester on fees.

How to pay for nursing school

Apply for need-based financial aid

Some nursing students may qualify for need-based financial aid, which can significantly help reduce college costs. Financial need is determined by evaluating your family's income, assets and state of residence through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Here are some common types of need-based financial aid that can be accessed by filling out the FAFSA:

• Grants: Grants are a form of financial aid that doesn't need to be repaid and are often reserved for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. In the 2022-23 school year, the average grant award for undergraduate students was $10,680, according to College Board.
• Work-study: The federal work-study program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. For nursing students, work-study can be particularly beneficial as it often provides opportunities to work in health care settings and gain relevant experience while earning money to offset college costs.

Look for nursing scholarships

Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for nursing students. These scholarships might be based on academic merit, financial need or other criteria, such as community service or leadership.

Some good places to start your scholarship search are:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Johnson & Johnson
• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
• Your state's nursing association

Get help from your employer

Some employers offer educational assistance programs as part of their employee benefits programs. These programs may pay your tuition directly, reimburse your tuition costs after you successfully complete a course or even pay principal and interest on your student loans.

IRS rules allow employers to provide up to $5,250 in educational assistance benefits per employee, per year as a tax-free benefit, meaning it's not included in your taxable income.

You may need to meet specific criteria to qualify for reimbursements, such as pursuing a degree that will advance your skills in your current role or committing to working for the company for a specific period after graduating. Contact your HR department to see if your company offers educational assistance.

Take out student loans

Student loans can help bridge the gap between the cost of nursing school and free funding options like grants, scholarships and employer-paid tuition. Approximately 76% of undergraduate nursing students took out student loans to fund their degree, according to a 2017 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Federal student loans should often be your first choice, as they have low fixed interest rates and flexible repayment plans. They also offer benefits like deferment and forbearance, which pause your loan payments while you're in school or having trouble making payments.

Private student loans are a good backup when you need more funding than you can get from federal student loans. While they often come with higher interest rates and fewer borrower benefits, they can cover the remaining costs of tuition, books and living expenses for nursing students.

Compare student loan rates

Loan forgiveness options for nurses

Nurses have a few loan forgiveness options to help reduce their student loan debt. These programs are generally designed to reward nurses who work in underserved areas or in public service roles:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Nurses who work full-time for a qualifying government or not-for-profit organization can have their remaining federal student loan balance forgiven after making 120 monthly payments through the PSLF program.
• Loan repayment programs (LRPs): Different branches of the federal government offer LRPs for nurses and other health care professionals. These programs repay student loans in exchange for agreeing to work for a specified period of time in areas experiencing a shortage of nurses. Some examples include the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, the Army Nurse Corps Health Professions Loan Repayment Program and the Faculty Loan Repayment Program.

Is nursing school worth the cost?

To decide whether nursing school is worth it for you, consider the immediate and long-term benefits:

• Job stability: Nursing is a highly in-demand profession with a strong job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in employment for RNs over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all professions.
• Competitive salaries: Nurses can earn competitive salaries, with a median pay of $86,070 per year for RNs, according to the BLS.
• Career advancement potential: Nursing offers opportunities for career advancement and specialization. With an advanced degree and experience, you can move into higher-paying roles. In some cases, you might even be able to open your own health care practice.
• Personal and professional fulfillment: For some people, nursing is more than a job; it's a calling. You'll have the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives, which can provide immense personal and professional fulfillment.

With steady job growth, competitive pay and the potential for advancement, the return on investment for your nursing education can make it worthwhile.

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