How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

Cost is often one of learners’ main considerations when choosing a nursing program. But how much nursing school costs depends on your situation.

Factors that contribute to program costs include:

All of these pieces significantly affect your student life, student budget, and future career. Explore the following nursing school cost breakdown, a deeper look at why costs vary, and payment options.

Most full-time associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs take two years to complete, but timing may vary based on your unique situation. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the total cost of a two-year ADN program ranges from $23,900 to $66,320. The average yearly cost is $12,300. This includes tuition, housing, and other fees.

With room and board, public universities cost a yearly average of $11,950. The average cost of private schools ranges from $24,950 to $33,160 per year.

Additional cost considerations include:

This is the cheapest nursing school option because it’s the fastest path to taking the NCLEX-RN and getting your RN license. ADN programs are more cost-effective because they last for two years, versus higher degrees that can take up to four years to complete.

Full-time traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs take four years. Alternatives, such as accelerated or bridge programs, may take less time after you have completed the required prerequisites. Part-time students will take longer.

According to the NCES, the total cost of four-year BSN programs ranges from $89,556 to $211,392. The average yearly cost is $30,884. This includes tuition, housing, and other fees.

Including room and board, public schools cost a yearly average of $22,389. The average cost of private schools ranges from $27,767 to $52,848 per year.

Factors impacting cost include:

Full-time master’s degree in nursing (MSN) programs take 1-2 years to complete. ADN-to-MSN, and other fast-track options, may take longer. Part-time students can complete their schooling at their own pace.

According to the NCES, the total cost for MSN programs ranges from $28,060-$78,820. The average yearly cost is $33,150. This includes tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Including room and board, public schools cost a yearly average of $28,100. The average cost of private schools ranges from $28,060 to $39,410 per year.

Factors impacting cost include:

Full-time doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs take learners 2-4 years to finish. BSN-to-DNP programs take 3-4 years, while MSN-to-DNP programs take around two years to complete. Part-time students will take longer than full-time students, regardless of the program type.

The NCES reports the cost of DNP programs ranging from $111,000 to $171,920. The average yearly cost is $61,080, including tuition, housing, and fees.

With room and board, public schools cost a yearly average of $30,620. The average cost of private schools ranges from $44,440 to $73,030 per year.

Factors impacting cost include:

Nursing school tuition figures depend on factors, such as format, location, and institution type. Costs can vary for programs offered on-campus and online, a student’s status as in-state or out-of-state affects tuition totals, and private nursing schools often charge more than public institutions.

There are three class formats: on campus, online, and hybrid. On-campus programs require students to learn within classrooms on school grounds, while online classes are remote. Hybrid programs use on-campus and remote learning, but students spend less time physically at the school than attending on-campus programs.

Online and hybrid programs save nursing students on housing and commuting. Their tuition can also be cheaper because online students may pay in-state tuition rates for some public school programs no matter where they live.

In-state public schools offer lower tuition for students who live in that state. This is why choosing an in-state school is a common way nursing students save money.

Some schools offer tuition waivers that decrease their tuition to in-state costs for select out-of-state students. Some qualities that make students eligible for tuition waivers include:

Although not a hard and fast rule, private colleges cost more than public colleges. Public higher education institutions receive more taxpayer funds from the state government, meaning students do not need to pay as much in tuition.

Degree-seekers can expect to pay around $500 or less per credit at public universities for an undergraduate degree; graduate students might pay more. Private universities might charge nursing students up to $1,500 or $2,000 per credit.

Higher cost does not necessarily correlate to a higher-quality education. Many public school programs offer top-ranked nursing programs.

Although private universities may demand higher costs, students might choose these programs with the added benefit of scholarships; if the schedule or location works better for them; or if they determine that the clinical placement, specialization, or networking opportunities will be worth it in the long run.

There are factors beyond tuition that add to your nursing school expenses. For example, you’re expected to attend your clinical rotations. You must spend money on transportation, meals, scrubs, stethoscopes, suitable shoes, and other tools to do so.

Ask yourself these questions when creating your nursing school budget:

As you can see, the costs will be higher than your initial expectations. Prepare to pay well over $200 on items and services outside of tuition. Consider ways to reduce costs, such as buying second-hand books and scrubs, carpooling, and choosing online class options when possible.

Thankfully, financial resources are available to nursing students, including scholarships and financial aid, tuition reimbursement, and tuition waivers. If possible, consider working while in nursing school to get a head start on loan payments.

Apply for programs as soon as possible to ensure your best chances of accessing scholarships and government aid, and watch for financial assistance programs. Employers often require a minimum work commitment before or after earning your degree.

Financial aid resources for nursing students include:

Page last reviewed on May 6, 2024