How much does nursing school cost? (2023)

Attending nursing school can be a powerful investment in your future. When choosing a school and major, prospective nursing students should consider the cost of nursing school so they can anticipate when their investment could pay off.

This article provides an overview of the average nursing school cost at each degree level. We've also outlined some key financial resources to help reduce costs. Finally, we discuss the potential return on investment for nursing degrees.

How much does nursing school cost?

The cost of attending nursing school can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the degree you choose, whether you attend part-time or full-time, whether you attend a government or non-government institution, and whether you enroll in a private or private school. School.

nursing degree(ADNs) typically cost less, with some programs costing as little as $3,000, while more advanced degrees can cost as much as $100,000 if you attend a private school.

Cost of Nursing School After Graduation

The cost of attending a nursing school can vary significantly depending on the school you choose and the level of graduation. Below we detail the typical nursing school costs for each degree level, ranging from an ADN to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

nursing degree

Aspiring nursing students looking for a low-cost, low-cost path into nursing may want to consider an associate degree in nursing. ADN programs typically last two years and are often among the most affordable educational options for nursing students. However, tuition and program costs can vary significantly by school.

Several factors can affect the cost of an ADN degree, including whether you choose to go to a government or non-government institution and whether it is a public or private university. Enrolling in an out-of-state public program can cost more than twice the cost of a state-based public program.

In general, the cost of ADN programs at public universities can range from $3,000 to $10,000 per year. Since most DNAs are two-year degrees, this equates to a total of $6,000 to $20,000. Private universities usually charge higher tuition fees; Private students can spend up to $40,000 on their DNA.

Bachelor of Science in Pflege (BSN)

On average, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing takes four years to complete full-time and is typically 120 credits. Like an ADN, the total cost of a BSN degree varies widely depending on whether it's a public or private university and whether you're studying in-state or out-of-state. Students can pay anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 in total for aBSN degree.

In most cases, studying abroad costs significantly more than studying in Germany. For example theNational Center for Education Statistics(NCES) reported that the average tuition and fees for full-time students in the 2020-21 academic year was $9,375 at state institutions and $27,091 at non-state institutions.

Master of Nursing (MSN)

MSN programs last one to two years. The total cost of a Masters in Nursing ranges from $24,000 to $80,000 depending on factors similar to those affecting ADN and BSN costs. Some MSN programs, including private and non-governmental universities or colleges, can cost $100,000 or more.

The length of the program also affects the cost of an MSN, and the number of credits required varies significantly by program. Depending on the program chosen, students may need to complete anywhere from 30 to 70 credit hours.

An MSN typically costs more for part-time students, as part-time enrollment generally increases the overall duration of the program. Students attending non-state or private universities also tend to pay more.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The total cost for agrau DNPcan vary significantly depending on several factors, including your highest educational qualification, as this affects the length of the program. If your highest degree is a bachelor's degree, you can expect a BSN to DNP program to take three to four years to complete. Alternatively, a program from MSN to DNP takes about two years.

DNP programs can cost anywhere from around $10,000 to over $100,000. Studying part-time or enrolling at a private university can increase your costs.

Additional Nursing School Expenses

In addition to tuition and fees, prospective nursing students should consider additional nursing school expenses when determining their total nursing school expenses. These expenses may include:

• Scanning in the background
• Day care for students with families
• Vaccinations, drug tests and laboratory tests
• Work material
• Lost or reduced wages for students who quit their job or reduce their hours
• Preparation for the national license exam and registration
• physical examinations
• Peeling
• Didactic books
• Transportation costs and parking fees for passengers

NCLEX Preparation and Fees

To obtain the license and begin practicing nursing, nursing students must pass theNational Board Licensing Exam(NCLEX). Candidates wishing to practice in the United States must pay a $200 application fee to attend the NCLEX.

Once you've paid the application fee and scheduled your exam, you can browse prep courses and other resources to start preparing.NCLEX preparationCourses can cost anywhere from $25 to over $500. Students can browse a variety of prep materials and courses to choose one that fits their budget, learning style, and schedules.

How do I pay for nursing school?

Students must submit the FAFSA to qualify for government student aid, including loans. Check out our explanatory guides for more informationWhat is FAFSA?ehow to apply for financial assistance through the FAFSA.

Nursing students can look into scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement programs to reduce nursing school costs. OAmerican Association of Colleges and Nursingupdates a list of support resources for nursing students. Below we explore different financial aid options to help offset and mitigate nursing school costs.

grants

Scholarships are usually awarded to students based on academic performance or financial need. Scholarships are available from public and private funds and are non-refundable. For example,Johnson & Johnsonit is atUS Health Resources and Services Administrationoffer scholarships for nursing students.

subsidies

Grants are need-based grants that are typically awarded by corporations, organizations, foundations, and government organizations. Like scholarships, grants are non-refundable. Several government and private agencies offer scholarships for nursing students. For example theCalifornia Department of Health Access and Informationawards scholarships to nursing students who commit to practice in underserved areas.

student loans

Program applicants can also apply for student loans to pay for nursing school. Unlike scholarships and grants, students are required to repay loans. Nursing students have two main loan types to choose from: federal loans and private loans. Check out our list of suggestionsbest nursing debt loans.

To apply for federal financial aid, including federal loans, students must file the FAFSA. Federal loans tend to have lower interest rates than personal loans. There are three main types of federal loans students can apply for:

• Directly subsidized loans
• Non-subsidized direct loans
• PLUS direct loans

Federal loans have annual credit limits. For example, directly subsidized loans are capped at $5,500 to $12,500 per year. Students who have exhausted their federal loan offerings and need additional financial assistance may need to seek private loans.

Student loan forgiveness programs are available to nursing graduates and provide an opportunity to eliminate student loan debt. Check out our guide on the different ones for more informationWays To Forgive Student Loans For Nurses.

Make sure you fully understand the specifications, requirements, and terms of any potential loan program before accepting any loan or loan waiver.

Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Employers often offer tuition-reimbursement programs, which the healthcare industry is increasingly using to address the nationwide shortage of nurses in hospitals and healthcare facilities. A tuition reimbursement program may look like an employer that reimburses some or all of a graduate's tuition, provided the graduate commits to work as a registered nurse in a specific location or for a specific number of years.

Joint reimbursement programs may include the following conditions:

• Successful completion of the course
• Stick to a certain grade point average
• Agreeing to work for a specific hospital or other healthcare facility for a specific period of time
• Agree to work in a specific geographic area, e.g. B. in a rural region

For example the federal governmentNursing Education Loan Repayment Programrepays student loans to qualified nurses who commit to work in nonprofit clinics or hospitals.

Return on Nursing School Investment

Return on investment is the profit you made on your investment (in this case, your post-nursing school salary) divided by the cost of your investment (the cost of nursing school), multiplied by 100 to get a percentage.

Say you spend $50,000 to earn a BSN and become a Registered Nurse (RN). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs earn an average annual salary of $77,600 per year, which means you would recoup your investment (and then some) within a year of working as an RN. Let's break it down:

77.600 $ / 50.000 $ x 100 = 155,2

After one year as an RN, you can see a 155.2% ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing School Costs