How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
Do you want to know how much nursing school costs? The cost of nursing school depends on different things like the type of degree and where you study. Let’s learn more about nursing school expenses.The question “how much does nursing school cost?” doesn’t have a simple answer. The cost of nursing degrees can be quite different.For many people who want to become nurses, the money they can earn after they graduate makes the high cost of nursing school worth it.
Managing Your Money as a Nursing Student
In 2021, registered nurses made about $77,600 each year, on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurses with advanced skills made even more money, about $123,780 per year.
Nursing is a job that many people need, so there are a lot of opportunities. The BLS thinks there will be 13% more jobs in healthcare from 2021 to 2031.
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But still, the cost of getting a nursing degree can be scary. It can be as low as $6,000 for a short degree or more than $100,000 for an advanced one.
So, how much does nursing school really cost? Well, it depends on many things, and this guide will tell you about them.
ADN Program Cost
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) usually takes around two years. These programs are usually cheaper. The cost can change based on if the school is private or public, and if you need to pay for things like a place to stay.
The average cost for two-year programs in the 2020-21 school year was about $3,780, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). With a place to stay and food, it was around $11,890.
Public schools cost about $3,500 for tuition and around $11,560 for everything. Private schools cost about $15,470 for tuition and around $25,670 for everything.
The cost of credits can be different too. Some public schools charge around $110-$210 for each credit. Private schools might charge over $400 for each credit.
For a two-year program in a public school, you might pay $8,000-$22,000. In a private school, it could be $30,000-$50,000. If you’re from another state, the cost might be much higher.
BSN Program Cost
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs are usually four years long. This means there are more options for students. On average, the cost for a four-year program, including a place to stay and food, was about $29,030 in the 2020-21 school year. Without a place to stay and food, it was about $16,620.
In public schools, tuition was about $9,380, and the cost was around $21,340 with a place to stay and food.
Private schools cost a lot more. In the 2020-21 school year, tuition in private schools was about $32,830, and the cost was around $43,310 with a place to stay and food.
A four-year BSN program in a public school might cost $40,000-$80,000. If you go to a private school, it might be $60,000-$120,000. If you’re from another state, it could be even more.
MSN Program Cost
Master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees usually take 1-2 years. Even though it’s a short time, the cost can be higher than a BSN.
Most MSN programs look at the cost for each credit. You need to finish about 40-50 credits. Some credits can be as cheap as $500, but others in more famous schools might be over $2,000.
Good public MSN programs, like the University of West Florida, might cost $22,500 in total. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill might cost $34,540 per year. The Ohio State University might cost $19,360 per year for students from the same state.
Private schools like Johns Hopkins University, Vanderbilt University, and Georgetown University cost a lot more. Their programs cost $72,017, $94,230, and $75,320 per year, respectively.
Some private schools, like Georgetown University, might cost more than $100,000 for the whole program.
DNP Program Cost
Some nurses get a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) after their MSN, or they can do it without an MSN. If you do a BSN-to-DNP program, you might need more time and money than someone with an MSN.
If you already have an MSN, your DNP might cost $20,000-$40,000. If you have a BSN, it might be $40,000-$75,000.
If you go to a public school or a private school, the cost might be the same if you already have an MSN.
For public schools like the University of Cincinnati, Seton Hall University, and the University of Arizona, you might pay $29,800, $47,220, and $62,370, respectively, if you already have an MSN.
Private schools like the University of Tampa, Baylor University, and Drexel University might cost $33,900, $41,800, and $48,740, respectively.
How Tuition Cost Can Differ
The cost of nursing school can change because of things like how it’s taught, where it’s located, and what kind of school it is. Costs can be different for programs that are taught online or in-person. Also, if you’re from the same state as the school or not, it can affect how much you pay. Private nursing schools usually cost more than public ones.
Online vs. On-Campus Program Cost
In online nursing programs, students do their schoolwork using computers. They watch lectures on the internet, give in assignments using special websites, and talk in class using online chat boards and webcams.
But, even though students learn online, they still need to do some parts in person, like their practical training and sometimes labs.
Online programs usually cost less for schools than in-person programs. This means online students usually pay less for their degree.
Online students also save money on things like transportation and childcare. However, some online programs have an extra fee.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Program Costs
Public schools often charge different prices for students from the same state and students from other states. It’s often more expensive for students from other states.
For example, if you go to Missouri State University and you’re from the same state, you might pay about $36,400. But if you’re from another state, you might pay more than $71,000. Some community colleges even have lower prices for students who live in the same area.
Remember this when you look at public schools in other states. See if they have any special scholarships or help for students from outside the state. Some schools might even have agreements with nearby states to give lower prices to their students.
Public vs. Private Nursing School Programs
Usually, private colleges cost more than public ones. Public colleges get money from the government, so they don’t need to charge as much.
Depending on the program, public schools might charge around $500 for each class. Private schools might ask for up to $1500 or even $2000 for each class.
But a higher price doesn’t always mean better education. Many public schools have great nursing programs.
Private schools might be more expensive, but students might still go if they get scholarships, or if they think the education and opportunities are worth it.
Using Nursing Mnemonics for memory in Nursing School
Additional Costs of Nursing School
Apart from tuition, there are other things students need to pay for, like books, supplies, and getting to school.
Books can cost a lot. They might even cost thousands over a few years.
Students also need to buy special clothes and tools for nursing school. Clothes might be around $200, and things like stethoscopes and lab supplies might cost $300-$500.
Students also need to think about the $200 test they need to take to get their license, and the money they spend on checks for their background.
Other everyday costs might include getting to school, like buying gas or paying road tolls. Even online students might need to go to clinics for training, so they need to figure out how to get there.
Students who live at school need to pay for their room and meals. Students with families might need to pay for childcare when they’re in school. The costs for these things can be very different depending on where you are.
Paying for Nursing School
Even though nursing jobs can pay well, many people are scared of the cost of nursing school.
A survey in 2017 found that almost 70% of students getting a degree got loans for school. They thought they would need to pay back around $40,000-$55,000.
Students can find ways to help pay for nursing school. Colleges and universities often give scholarships. Students can also get scholarships from groups of professionals, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Here’s a list of nursing scholarships and grants.
Some programs for nursing degrees, like ADN and BSN, might also give lower prices to people who have been in the military.
And students can also ask the government for help. The government might forgive some of your loans if you promise to work in places that need healthcare workers a lot.
Sources
The average cost of college for full-time students getting a degree. (2021). National Center for Education Statistics
Bachelor of science in nursing. (n.d.). Missouri State University
The numbers behind the degree. (2017). American Association of Colleges of Nursing
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2021). Healthcare occupations. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2021). Registered nurses. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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