[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school tuitions can vary drastically depending on several factors, including degree level and program type, school location, and whether the school is private vs. public.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the most affordable options to become a nurse is through an ADN program at a public university, where the yearly average tuition is around $11,950.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarships, grants, loans, part-time work, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce your nursing school costs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As with any college degree program, cost is a major factor to consider when [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]choosing a nursing program[/hen-ui-link]. But many other factors can impact the price you pay, such as school location, program length and format, degree type, and whether your school is private versus public.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re wondering “How much does nursing school cost?” explore these cost averages and discover how your academic goals and unique individual circumstances might affect how much you end up paying.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing School Cost Considerations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school costs aren’t one size fits all. What one student pays for their nursing program may be drastically different than what another pays although both earn the same degree. Some programs may be costlier than others simply because they are longer in length while others may be more affordable because they are entirely online.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also, public schools tend to be more affordable than private schools. These factors and more can influence [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]nursing school expenses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school cost may be affected by:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree type[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program length[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Full-time or part-time enrollment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public vs. private institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Non-profit vs. for-profit institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School location[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online vs. on campus program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On-campus vs. off-campus housing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In-state vs. out-of-state student status[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility for financial aid (e.g., scholarships, grants, loans, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses-by-state/”]loan forgiveness programs[/hen-ui-link], and employer tuition reimbursement programs)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Need to repeat courses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing textbooks and supplies (e.g., stethoscopes, pen lights, scrubs, suitable shoes)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student expenses (e.g., meals, transportation, childcare, housing)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]ADN Program Cost[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most affordable nursing school option is an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] program because it’s the fastest path to taking the NCLEX-RN and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]getting your RN license[/hen-ui-link]. These programs last for about two years if enrolled full-time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average yearly cost of an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]ADN program[/hen-ui-link] is $12,300 as of 2022. This includes tuition, housing, and other fees. The entire two-year program can range from $23,900-$66,320.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public universities cost a yearly average of $11,950. Private school costs are between $24,950-$33,160 per year.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Average Cost of a Two-Year Degree (2021-22 Academic Year)[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Institution types[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition and Required Fees[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Room and Board[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$3,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$8,360[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$11,950[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private Non-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$20,020[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$13,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$33,160[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private For-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$16,440[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$8,510[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$24,950[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]All Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$3,890[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$8,420[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$12,300[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]BSN Degree Program Cost[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Traditional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] programs take four years to complete if enrolled full-time. Working professionals or students with degrees in non-nursing fields can earn a BSN in less time through non-traditional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]nursing bridge programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Including tuition, housing, and other fees, the average yearly cost for BSN programs is $30,880 as of 2022, according to the NCES. The entire four-year program can range from $89,560-$211,390. Public schools cost a yearly average of $22,390 and private schools average between $27,770-$52,850 per year.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Average Cost of a Four-Year Degree (2021-22 Academic Year)[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Institution types[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition and Required Fees[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Room and Board[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$9,750[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$12,640[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$22,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private Non-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$38,420[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$14,430[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$52,850[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private For-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$15,870[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$11,900[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$27,770[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]All Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$17,710[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Required Fees”]$13,175[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Room and Board”]$30,880[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]MSN Degree Program Cost[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses with a BSN can complete a traditional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master’s degree in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] program in 1-2 years if enrolled full-time. Other options include [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-msn/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link] bridge programs, allowing RNs with ADNs to earn an MSN in 2-4 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the NCES, the average cost for MSN programs ranges from $15,030-$42,880 as of 2020. The average yearly cost is $12,480 and includes tuition and fees without room and board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students pursuing master’s degrees at public institutions can expect to pay around $9,340 per year. The average yearly cost of private schools ranges from $9,510-$21,440.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Average Cost of a Graduate Program: Master’s Degree in a Health Profession or Related Program (2019-20 Academic Year)[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Institution types[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition and Fees Paid[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Price of Attendance/Student Budget[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Institutions*[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$10,150[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$25,460[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private Non-Profit Institutions*[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$18,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$33,620[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private For-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$12,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$31,670[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]All Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$13,700[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$29,970[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]DNP Degree Program Cost[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses with an MSN can complete traditional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] programs after 2-4 years of full-time study. RNs with undergraduate degrees can earn a DNP in 3-6 years through nursing bridge programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCES reports the average cost of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]DNP programs[/hen-ui-link] (in research, scholarship, professional practice, and others) ranging from $63,570-$172,280 as of 2020. The average yearly cost is $61,080, including tuition and fees without room and board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners enrolled in DNP programs at public institutions pay an average tuition of $23,390 per year. The average cost of private schools ranges from $28,280-$43,070 per year.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Average Cost of a Graduate Program: Doctoral Degree (2019-20 Academic Year)[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Institution types[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition and Fees Paid[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Price of Attendance/Student Budget[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$15,570[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$32,760[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private Non-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$25,290[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$44,770[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private For-Profit Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$9,510[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$23,900[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]All Institutions[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution types”]$16,790[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition and Fees Paid”]$33,810[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Nursing School[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How much does nursing school cost? Nursing school can be expensive, but costs vary depending on many factors. Paying for nursing school, however, doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial assistance is available to cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and other nursing school expenses. Students may be eligible for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]scholarships and financial aid[/hen-ui-link] (includes student loans and grants).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working part-time while attending school can also help students pay for tuition or get a head start on loan payments. After graduation, tuition payback programs might be available through an employer. But some employers require a minimum work commitment before or after earning a degree.[/hen-ui-text]