How Much Does Nursing School Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

Nursing school is an investment in a rewarding career, but the cost can vary significantly depending on the type of degree you choose. Associate degrees in nursing are generally more affordable than bachelor's or advanced graduate programs, with tuition and fees ranging from around $3,600 per year at the associate level to over $78,000 per year for a master's in nursing. And that's just the start — additional costs like supplies, uniforms, and licensing exams can add up quickly.

This guide breaks down nursing school costs and practical strategies to make nursing school more affordable.

How much does nursing school cost?

The cost of nursing school depends on the degree you're pursuing and where you're enrolled. Here's a breakdown of average tuition and fees for different nursing programs, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES):

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year ADN program costs about $3,598 annually at two-year public colleges and $20,019 annually at private nonprofit institutions.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A traditional four-year BSN averages $9,750 per year at public institutions and $38,421 per year at private nonprofit colleges.
• Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN): Completing an MSN, which typically takes one to two years, costs between $28,060 and $78,820 in total.

Note that the total cost of nursing school varies widely depending on the type of institution, your residency status, and whether you attend in person or online. Public colleges typically offer the most affordable tuition for in-state students, while private schools and out-of-state programs tend to cost more. Online programs can sometimes reduce expenses, but this depends on the school and program structure.

Current private student loan rates

Nursing school expenses

Although nursing school tuition and fees can add up quickly, these are just the beginning of your expenses. Beyond your baseline tuition and fees, you can expect to face the following nursing school costs:

• Equipment and supplies: You'll use specialized supplies as you learn, such as a laptop and a stethoscope, which most colleges expect you to pay extra for.
• Background check: Some nursing schools require you to undergo a background check to get started.
• Medical examination and vaccines: Training could put you in close proximity to patients with contagious diseases. Some schools require nursing students to undergo a medical exam and potentially receive vaccinations.
• CPR certification: Knowing how to perform CPR may come in handy on the job. But it's often an extra cost.
• Books: The classes you take will involve textbook requirements, which could cost hundreds of dollars.
• Clinical fees: Clinical labs can help you hone your skills. But you'll usually pay extra for this.
• Travel costs to clinical rotations: Clinical rotations give you a chance to use the skills you're learning. Depending on your location, you might incur travel costs to get this hands-on experience.
• Uniforms: Generally, nurses wear scrubs, which you might not already have in your closet. Depending on your preferences, you could spend less than $100 getting a few sets of scrubs to work in.

In addition to these extra costs, most students have housing and other living expenses to consider. If you're living at home, your housing costs might be lower. Otherwise, most students spend thousands each year to pay for basic life expenses.

Financial aid for nursing students

Nursing school often requires a significant financial investment, but there are ways to reduce the cost. Here are some key financial aid options to explore:

• Scholarships and grants: Nursing students can tap into different scholarships and grants to access funding they don't have to repay. Many nursing-specific opportunities exist. Taking the time to apply could help you cover some costs. 
• Federal financial aid: Federal aid, in the form of grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities, usually exists for nursing students. To see what type of aid you qualify for, start by filling out the FAFSA.
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs: Some employers offer tuition assistance programs to help you pay for school. If you can juggle working while you attend school, finding an employer who helps with tuition can make a big difference.

Student loans for nursing students

Student loans are a common way to finance nursing school, but it's essential to understand your options to make the best choice for your needs. Here are the main types of loans available:

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Undergraduate students with financial need can access subsidized federal loans. The government covers the interest while you're in school and during a six-month grace period after you leave school, which reduces your overall loan costs.
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Both undergraduates and graduates can access unsubsidized federal student loans, regardless of financial need. You'll be responsible for all interest charges, but you don't have to start payments until six months after leaving school.
• Federal Direct PLUS loans: Eligible graduate students and parents of undergraduate students can access PLUS loans to help cover the remaining costs of nursing school.
• Private student loans: Offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders, private loans are based on your credit score and income. They often have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options compared to federal loans.

Tips for managing nursing school costs

If you want to minimize student loan debt, here are some strategies to help manage the costs of nursing school effectively:

Seek out scholarship opportunities

Strategically applying to as many scholarships as possible increases your chances of landing the funds you need.

“The majority of scholarship dollars come from the colleges themselves,” says Jack Wang, wealth advisor at Innovative Advisory Group.

“Apply to colleges that are generous with merit scholarships, especially those that are also building up their nursing or health sciences programs. There are also many nursing scholarships from industry and community organizations, as well as health care related companies. Apply to as many as possible,” adds Wang.

Work part-time during school

Working part-time during school can not only help cover expenses but also provide valuable professional experience.

“Many students find part-time work, often in health care settings like hospitals or clinics, which helps out not only financially but provides valuable experience,” says Mariia Chabdaiev, former nurse and managing director at Experts Medical.

If you can manage to work part-time while attending classes, you can use your paycheck to offset your nursing school expenses. In the best-case scenario, you could work for a company that offers tuition assistance to help pay for school while reserving your paycheck for other costs.

Plan for additional costs

Review your nursing program's list of required expenses, which often includes items like uniforms, supplies, and licensing exams. Planning ahead for these costs can help you avoid surprises and ensure you're financially prepared for every stage of your education.

See Also: 10 Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nurses