[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is being a nurse worth it? Between nursing school and the career itself, the return on investment (ROI) for nursing has a lot of layers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are clearly [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/benefits-to-pursuing-a-career-in-nursing/”]many benefits[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing is a popular career, considered a noble profession with an important function in society. However, there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school is a major commitment, and the profession demands a great deal from those who join it. Learning clinical skills, memorizing vast amounts of information, and interacting with patients from all walks of life can feel intimidating and complex.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide can help those wondering ‘is nursing school worth it?” [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/reasons-to-choose-a-career-in-nursing//”]choose a nursing school [/hen-ui-link]and examine the positive and negative aspects of a nursing career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an enormous commitment of time, energy, and money, knowing whether nursing school is worth it for you is crucial to consider before taking the bold step of beginning the journey.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pros of Earning a Nursing Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/registered-nurses-top-gallup-poll-for-20th-year-row” target=”_blank”]highly respected and trusted[/hen-ui-link] profession that over [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Fact-Sheet” target=”_blank”]4 million Americans[/hen-ui-link] have currently chosen as a career, not to mention over 300,000 nurse practitioners. [hen-ui-link href=”https://https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmbt/” target=”_blank”]Maryanne Tranter, Ph.D., APRN[/hen-ui-link] who works in pediatrics shared, “I began my career in nursing because I loved science, wanted to interact with others, and wanted a flexible career with positions available that I could make a living.” Dr. Tranter added, “My degree definitely paid off. I am honored and proud to be a nurse. I love the concept of lifelong learning that is required with this career. I love being such a special part of people’s lives. I love caring for children. I love empowering families.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following are some of the top benefits of pursuing a nursing degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3”]Pro #1: Nursing Degrees Prepare Graduates for High-Earning Careers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there are plenty of careers that pay more than nursing (e.g., law, investment banking), many nurses feel that they can earn a good living as a nurse, especially with an advanced degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $77,600 in 2021, and nurse practitioners earned a mean annual wage of $118,040 in the same year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emily-weber-dnp-rn-cpn-nea-bc-69203649/” target=”_blank”]Emily Weber, DNP, RN, CPN, NEA-BC[/hen-ui-link], had no regrets when it came to nursing ROI. She stated, “The investment made in nursing school has paid for itself many times. The nursing profession has advancement opportunities that I have been able to take advantage of that have yielded a positive financial return on my investment in my nursing school education.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adding to the chorus of nurses reporting that their career is an excellent investment, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybrooknp/” target=”_blank”]Nancy Brook, MSN, FNP, RN[/hen-ui-link] shared: “My nursing career has paid for itself for many reasons; it has been personally rewarding to impact patients’ lives, being a positive part of the healthcare system, and having flexibility as a working parent, as well as an excellent return on investment and more.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is being a nurse worth it financially when compared to other occupations? Use this table to compare salaries and timelines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Comparison of Occupations[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Occupation[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Years to Become[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$121,530[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]6-9 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$118,040[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]6-8 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Financial Analyst[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$95,570[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]4-6 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Architect[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$80,180[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]8-11 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$77,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]2-4 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Web Developer[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$77,030[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]2-4 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Social Worker[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$50,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Years to Become”]4-8 Years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” style=”text-align:right”]Source: BLS[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pro #2: A Degree in Nursing Can Lead to Fulfilling Lifelong Careers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses cite personal and professional fulfillment as reasons they are satisfied with their careers.[/hen-ui-text][My degree] taught me about my motivation, dedication, persistence and stamina that other degrees and life experiences had not. It has given me a foundation to read and understand what goes into research and the value of research in healthcare. It has allowed me opportunities to continue teaching nursing students.[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”All of these things, and the credibility that comes with the education and experience of the Ph.D., has opened doors and allowed me to start my own business. I am hopeful the investment in my Ph.D. will pay off financially with my new business. But the payoff of doing what I want to do is already here.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For Dr. Emily Weber, nursing is a positive force in her life: “I have many fond memories of earning my initial nursing degree with the support and camaraderie of my fellow nursing school students, and the mentorship of my clinical instructors. My greatest reward of earning my nursing degree is completing the degree and becoming a nurse! I have always felt called to be a nurse and enjoy advocating for patients to promote healing.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nancy Brook added, “Having an advanced degree in nursing opens the door to many professional opportunities. Aside from being able to take on positions as an advanced practice nurse (APP, CRNA, NP, CNS) graduates are able to teach at the graduate and undergraduate level, consult, write and take on management positions both in the hospital setting and in industry.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pro #3: Flexibility and Freedom of Choice are Central to Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses enjoy the ability to find roles that allow them to be flexible when it comes to their personal lives. When raising young children, a nurse can choose to work during the day while children are in school, or work evenings or nights when younger children need a caregiver at home during the day and a partner can be home at night.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dr. Maryann Tranter is clear about the benefits: “I have always been able to work the flexible way I wanted and make a living. I could work part time with young children, start teaching nursing students as they got older, and now start my own business using my experience and education as a foundation.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]There are countless employment options available to the curious nurse seeking novel opportunities. Nurses can, of course, be employed within an acute care hospital in a variety of positions, but nurses can also find satisfying work in the ambulatory/outpatient realm, including, but not limited to:[/hen-ui-text]

• Entrepreneurship and business
• The pharmaceutical and medical device industries
• Case management and care management
• Patient advocacy
• Cruise nurses
• Physician offices
• Holistic nursing
• Functional nursing
• Home health and hospice
• Dialysis
• Corrections
• Research
• Informatics
• Remote/telephonic nursing
• Public health nursing
• Occupational health
• School nursing
• Nursing education
• Legal nurse consulting
• Nurse coaching

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pro #4: Nursing and Healthcare Change With the Times[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With advancing technology and the development of new software, hardware, and user interfaces, nurses curious about the ongoing changes can leverage that interest in tech towards their careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For those with interest in information technology, the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) has given many nurses the chance to become superusers and EMR analysts with advanced skills and expertise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Companies creating new technologies for the healthcare industry need expert nurses who can provide research and development (R&D) insight.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the near future, nurses might use augmented reality and [hen-ui-link href=”https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14511451/” target=”_blank”]virtual reality[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Cons of Earning a Nursing Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is another side to the “is nursing worth it?” coin: the cost of nursing school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Con #1: Earning a Nursing Degree Can Be Costly[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]Nursing school can be expensive[/hen-ui-link], and many nursing students take on the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]burden of debt[/hen-ui-link] in order to complete their education. An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000, with some private colleges charging tuition as high as $40,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) will run a nurse between $40,000 – $100,000, a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) from $35,000 – $100,000, and a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//why-get-a-dnp-degree/”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) between $40,000 – $70,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/financial-aid/”]Low-interest loans, scholarships, grants[/hen-ui-link], and other forms of student aid can assist nursing students in keeping their college costs down and making their studies financially worthwhile.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Con #2: Earning a Nursing Degree May Take Years of Study[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For those wishing or needing to enter the workforce relatively quickly, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-long-is-nursing-school/”]the time it takes[/hen-ui-link] to become a professional nurse may seem off-putting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] is a four-year degree nurses complete at a university. An MSN, the minimum requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner, is often an additional two years following completion of a BSN (a total of approximately 66-72 months for both degrees).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fortunately for prospective nurses, there are a number of faster and more flexible education options available. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]The ADN[/hen-ui-link] provides a shorter route to professional practice as a registered nurse, with an average 24-month educational experience — including some or most prerequisites, depending on the program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]And for those interested in a non-degree option in order to begin their nursing career, highly affordable [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/lpn-programs-online/”]Licensed Practical Nurse[/hen-ui-link] (LPN) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]Licensed Vocational Nurse[/hen-ui-link] (LVN) programs are approximately 12-18 months from start to finish.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs have a narrower scope of practice than RNs, and have fewer employment settings, but LPN training can be an excellent, affordable on-ramp to the profession. So-called “bridge programs” such as the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]LPN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-link] frequently offer the convenience of partial or complete online learning. Online classes can decrease the cost of attendance and allow the student to earn a living while pursuing further education and opportunity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/”]accelerated BSN[/hen-ui-link] provides a route for those with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to enter into a program that often takes approximately 12-18 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Know if Nursing is Right for You[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is a nursing degree worth it? Is it the right path for you? The nursing profession is changing in the 21st century, and the breadth and depth of what nurses can do continues to evolve and expand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For those with a passion for science, skillfully caring for others, and using critical thinking to solve problems and expand knowledge in a dynamic profession, nursing is an excellent choice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]“The healthcare system is always changing; there are constantly new requirements, policies and procedures to keep up with,” said Nancy Brook. “The reward continues to outweigh the challenges as change is a given in any profession. Our role continues to evolve, and with that new opportunity for professional growth and challenge.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]Emily Weber added: “My advice to those considering a nursing degree would be to investigate the various schools of nursing, scholarship opportunities, and employer tuition programs to pick the program that is best for you. After graduation, look for a nursing position that has a robust new graduate orientation and onboarding to support your transition into practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Nursing is a wonderful profession that yields many personal and professional rewards. As a nurse, you are able to impact the lives of others and really can make a difference.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]According to Dr. Maryanne Tranter, the choice is multifaceted. “Do not just do it for the flexibility and income. People who choose this end up becoming burned out sooner. You always need to have a questioning mind and a love of learning as research and knowledge are always changing and nurses need to stay informed.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dr. Tranter continued: “You should know that, as a nurse, we have the honor of sharing some of the most intimate and important parts of someone’s life. We cannot take that for granted. It will sometimes use a lot of our energy at times, where the benefits may not seem to be enough. Sometimes we cannot practice the way we know is best due to systemic issues. But those special moments of supporting patients are a gift.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”If you are willing to allow yourself to be there with them and give your support backed by the experience and knowledge to help others, the time put into the degree will always be worth it!”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Emily Weber, DNP, RN, CPN, NEA-BC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1662972694/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/emily-weber.jpg” img-alt=”Emily Weber, DNP, RN, CPN, NEA-BC” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Emily Weber is the chief nursing officer and operations at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Children’s is a designated level IV maternal care facility and level IV NICU, which offers the highest level of comprehensive care for women and premature, sick, and critically ill newborns. In her role, she is responsible for advancing nursing practice, operational performance, and ensuring compliance with the highest professional standards of patient care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Maryanne Tranter” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1589825420/experts/Maryanne_Tranter.jpg” img-alt=”Maryanne Tranter” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dr. Maryanne Tranter is a Ph.D.-prepared pediatric NP with 25 years of experience working with families from different cultures and backgrounds. She specializes in caring for infants, children, and their families.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]She aims to walk parents from panic to peace by providing current research and accurate information to empower parents to raise a healthy child.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]She also teaches nursing and NP students, along with speaking and consulting around the world. She has been an expert witness, podcast and group interview guest, and contributes to journal publications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Nancy Brook RN, MSN, CFNP” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1568657423/experts/Nancy_brook2.jpg” img-alt=”Nancy Brook RN, MSN, CFNP” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nancy Brook is an NP and success coach at Stanford Healthcare. She works with nurses and healthcare professionals who want to create more meaningful careers and healthier lifestyles.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed January 12, 2023[/hen-ui-text]