How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
If you’re considering becoming a nurse, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “How much does nursing school cost?”
The cost of nursing school can vary significantly depending on factors such as the nursing degree cost, the type of program, and whether you attend a public or private nursing school.
Let’s break it down to understand the different nursing school expenses and how they can differ by program, school type, and location.
The question, “How much does nursing school cost?” doesn’t have a simple answer. The cost of nursing programs can range from as little as a few thousand dollars for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to over $100,000 for advanced degrees like a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
However, the good news is that there are many options for nursing school financial aid, including scholarships for nursing students and student loans for nursing school, which can make the cost more manageable.
Managing Your Money as a Nursing Student
Nursing is a career that can offer a good salary once you graduate, but nursing school tuition and expenses can be a barrier. In 2021, the average salary for registered nurses was about $77,600 per year, and advanced nurses can earn even more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be a 13% increase in nursing jobs from 2021 to 2031, making nursing a stable and in-demand field.
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However, nursing school tuition fees can be overwhelming. Many students find that their nursing school costs can range anywhere from $6,000 for ADN programs to $100,000+ for MSN and DNP programs. Let’s take a closer look at how nursing school tuition rates can differ across different levels of education.
ADN Program Cost
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes about two years to complete. ADN program costs are generally lower compared to BSN, MSN, or DNP programs, but they can still vary based on whether you’re attending a private or public nursing school.
The cost of nursing school by program can range widely. For example, in the 2020-21 school year, the average tuition for an ADN program at a public school was about $3,780 per year. When you include room and board, books, and supplies, the total cost was about $11,890. On the other hand, a private school ADN program could cost as much as $15,470 for tuition and $25,670 for everything including living expenses.
BSN Program Cost
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically takes about four years to complete. BSN program costs are higher because the degree takes longer to finish and offers more in-depth education.
In the 2020-21 school year, the average cost for a BSN program was $29,030 per year, including tuition, room, and board. Without living expenses, it was around $16,620 for tuition alone. Public universities offer more affordable options, with tuition averaging $9,380 per year, while private universities charge around $32,830 per year in tuition.
BSN program costs can vary greatly based on whether you’re attending a public or private nursing school and whether you’re studying in-state vs. out-of-state. For example, a public nursing school may cost between $40,000-$80,000 for the entire 4-year program for in-state students, while private schools may charge anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000.
MSN Program Cost
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) usually takes between 1 to 2 years to complete. While shorter in duration than a BSN program, MSN programs are typically more expensive because they are specialized programs.
For example, the cost of MSN programs varies from $22,500 at a public school like the University of West Florida to $72,000+ at prestigious private universities such as Johns Hopkins University. The tuition for nursing school in MSN programs is often calculated per credit hour, and the number of credits required can range from 40 to 50 credits.
DNP Program Cost
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of nursing education. If you’re looking into this advanced degree, be prepared for a significant financial investment. The cost of nursing school for a DNP program can be as much as $40,000 to $75,000, depending on whether you enter with an ADN, BSN, or MSN.
Public universities like the University of Arizona or Seton Hall University may charge between $29,800 to $62,370 for students with an MSN. Private universities such as Baylor University can charge as much as $41,800 to $48,740 for the same degree. For a BSN-to-DNP program, tuition costs can be even higher. 
How Tuition Cost Can Differ
Nursing school tuition rates can differ greatly depending on several factors:
- Online vs. In-person Nursing Programs: Online nursing programs may be more affordable than traditional in-person programs. However, while tuition may be cheaper, online nursing programs might have additional fees, and you may still need to attend in-person clinicals or labs.
- In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition: Public nursing schools charge different rates for in-state vs. out-of-state tuition. For example, attending a public school like Missouri State University as an out-of-state student can significantly increase your tuition cost.
- Private vs. Public Nursing Schools: Private vs. public nursing school costs often reflect a difference in funding. Public institutions receive government funding, allowing them to offer lower tuition rates. However, private schools may offer specialized programs and smaller class sizes that could justify the higher tuition.
Online vs. On-Campus Program Cost
One way to potentially lower your nursing school costs is by choosing an online nursing program. While online vs. in-person nursing programs can vary in cost, online programs often come with lower tuition rates and save you money on commuting, childcare, and housing. However, keep in mind that some online programs may charge additional fees for technology or online services.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Program Costs
As mentioned earlier, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition can have a big impact on your nursing school cost. For instance, out-of-state tuition can sometimes be double what an in-state student pays. It’s important to research the costs associated with attending a public nursing school in another state, as the price difference could be significant.
Public vs. Private Nursing School Programs
While private nursing schools often have higher tuition fees, they may offer more specialized programs or additional financial aid to make the cost more manageable. Public nursing schools, on the other hand, are typically more affordable because they are subsidized by the state. Many students choose to attend public nursing schools to take advantage of the lower tuition rates, but it’s worth comparing the cost and offerings of both types of institutions before making a decision.
Using Nursing Mnemonics for Memory in Nursing School
Though not directly related to the cost of nursing school, using nursing mnemonics for memory is an effective way to save time and reduce stress, which can help you focus more on your studies and less on managing your nursing school expenses. 
Additional Costs of Nursing School
In addition to tuition, there are other nursing school expenses to keep in mind:
- Textbooks: Cost of nursing textbooks can be significant, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of your education.
- Clinical Supplies: Students are required to purchase clinical equipment like stethoscopes, lab coats, and scrubs, which can cost $200 to $500 or more.
- Background Check Costs: Most nursing programs require a background check, which can cost around $200.
- Living Expenses: For students attending on-campus nursing programs, the cost of living—such as room and board—can add several thousand dollars to your overall nursing school costs.
- Transportation: Whether you’re driving to a clinical site or paying for public transportation, these costs can add up, even for students in online nursing programs.
Paying for Nursing School
While nursing school financial aid can help reduce the financial burden, many students still need to take out student loans for nursing school. In fact, student loans for nursing school are a common way to cover tuition and other nursing school expenses. It’s also worth looking into scholarships for nursing students and grants for nursing students that can help reduce the need for loans.
Many nursing schools offer financial aid packages, including military discounts for nursing school and tuition reimbursement for nurses. For those who need extra help, the government also offers nursing degree financial aid options like loan forgiveness for nurses who work in underserved areas.
Conclusion
The cost of nursing school can vary widely depending on the degree level, school type, and location. From ADN program costs to DNP program costs, it’s crucial to research and compare tuition fees at both private and public nursing schools. Thankfully, there are numerous financial aid options for nursing students, including scholarships, grants, and loans, that can make pursuing a nursing degree more accessible.
By carefully budgeting for nursing school expenses, considering online vs. in-person nursing programs, and exploring ways to reduce costs, you can make the investment in your nursing education more affordable—and enjoy a rewarding career in nursing.
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