How Much Does Nursing School Cost? While the nursing program is an excellent investment for your future, funding the education you will receive isn’t an easy task.
Costs for nursing schools vary according to where you go. It also depends on whether you go to a private or community college institution. It’s also dependent on what you’d like to pursue, for example, an Associate or Bachelor of Nursing.
How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
Although there isn’t a set cost for nursing schools, it is possible to pay thousands for shorter programs and as high as $80,000 for advanced or graduate schools.
The tuition cost at nursing schools will differ based on the degree you earned, whether you’re attending full-time or part-time, and the degree you’re studying.
The price of a Bachelor’s degree and the cost of a bridge program from RN to BSN will differ if you go directly from an associate degree in nursing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
In this scenario, the price of the degree will differ. The cost of a public college is significantly less than the cost of an accredited private institution.
Community colleges are the ideal choice for nursing students. Then, you can choose either a state-run university or a private school. It’s impossible to know the price of your education due to the kind of financial aid you get.
Nursing School Fees by Degree
Be aware of these variations and that the prices can be very different. This will estimate the amount you can anticipate paying for a nursing degree. But it’s crucial to compare prices within your region and talk to your school of choice.
Cost of Associate’s Degree In Nursing (ADN)
The ADN can give you an Associate’s Degree, allowing you to be a registered Nursing (RN) nursing professional. ADN programs are generally considered less expensive and quicker than Bachelor’s degrees, although costs differ widely.
ADN courses can be finished in just 18 months in some programs. But, other programs could take between a few and a few years, based on the requirements, the waitlist, and whether you’re working full-time. These variables will impact the final price. But you should anticipate paying between $10,000 to $40,000.
Cost of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN degree is now the norm for RNs. The Bachelor’s degree will allow you to have more freedom in your work and will allow you to advance to the next level in your nursing career, should you choose.
The cost of a BSN degree isn’t as cheap as an ADN. Certain people can take a BSN program independently, while others may choose the RN-BSN route. However, some may also possess a Bachelor’s degree from another discipline.
The National Center for Education Statistics states that the average price for a Bachelor’s degree can range from $72,000 for public institutions to more than 104,000 for private institutions. This includes accommodation and board, tuition, and other expenses.
Master of Science Nursing (MSN), Cost
Achieving your master’s degree in nursing could be costly. An MSN for Nursing Education may differ from the Advanced Practice Registered Nursing degree, which includes CRNA CNM (or CRNA).
The National Center for Education Statistics has released data that shows that the cost of a master’s diploma is around $48K at public schools and $108K for private and non-profit colleges. The cost of room and board is not included.
Additional Nursing School Fees
Preparing for the unexpected expenses of nursing school and tuition is essential. Here’s how you plan your budget for nursing school, starting with the cost of scrubs to any loss of income.
Uniforms and Accessories
To conduct your nursing school clinics, you’ll have to purchase your uniform and accessories, like the penlight, scissors, and a stethoscope.
Although most schools offer packages you can purchase directly from their website, the standard professional scope, such as the Littmann, is priced at about 90 dollars.
A set could cost just $20. If, however, you’re at a clinic that is back-to-back. If that is the situation, you could purchase another set or two (unless you are a fan of laundry). To be clear, I’m not able to afford two sets.
Health-related costs
If you are enrolled in nursing training, there is a chance that you’ll have to pay for health-related expenses. This could include a background screening test, drug tests, bloodwork, and booster shots. You may have to purchase medical malpractice insurance as a professional.
Books
It’s no secret that nursing textbooks can be quite expensive. One book could run hundreds of bucks just for one nursing course. Costs for books are as low as a couple of hundred dollars up to as much as $700 for a semester.
Costs of transport
The clinical is the initial step toward nursing school. The first nursing clinic I attended in winter was an unforgettable one.
I punctured a tire just when I was on the road and stopped another’s driveway from going to work. I still remember sitting in my car crying because I didn’t have enough cash to buy a new tire.
Budgeting for any extra transportation expenses is essential regardless of whether or not you drive. It must consider additional miles, fuel, and vehicle maintenance, or if you are seeking new routes to public transportation.
Childcare
Parents may require additional care to attend classes and clinical time. It is also possible that you will require additional childcare for your studies outside of school.
The decrease in income
There is also the possibility of increased expenses while studying nursing. A lot of people work during school. But, many have to reduce their workload to have more time for classes, clinic classes, and learning.
Training for the NCLEX test
To become registered nurses, candidates must take the NCLEX-RN test. The test is $200. It is also necessary to be prepared to cover any NCLEX review courses ranging from $25 to $400.
There are Many Ways to Pay for Nursing School Costs.
While the costs hidden in nursing school could seem intimidating initially, they’re not the primary concern of the next generation of RNs. Here’s how you can cover the cost of nursing school.
Scholarships
Many people think of scholarships as something that you only be awarded once you have started your college education. But they are available during your studies.
Have you ever considered the tragic moment I wept in the snow as my tire was flat? The next day I got the check from an anonymous nursing scholarship. The amount was enough to cover the cost of an all-new tire.
Keep applying for scholarships throughout your college time. You can look online for scholarships or contact the financial aid department to locate local scholarship opportunities.
Student Loan Forgiveness
A variety of programs for student loan forgiveness is offered to nurses. These programs allow you to forgive all or a portion of the student loan. These programs aren’t for everyone; however, they are worthy of consideration for nurses who are.
These are the 5 best loan forgiveness programs for nurses.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
- Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
- State-level Loan Forgiveness
- Perkins Loan Cancellation
- Nursing Students Cancelled by the Military
- Assistance with tuition costs for the employer
You should inquire with HR to see if tuition assistance is provided to employees currently employed in healthcare.
If you’re sure about the place you’d like to work following graduation, ask them if they’d be willing and able to assist you.
Used and secondhand
Unfortunately, uniforms worn by school students aren’t allowed to be worn following graduation. But that doesn’t mean you cannot purchase scrubs from the same graduates each semester. Price.
You can find out whether your school is part of an active Facebook group or sale on used scrubs at the close of the academic year.
The same is true for books. Be sure to check the bookstore of your school before buying new books. I looked through the syllabus to locate the pages I needed and then copied the pages to the library.
Although I don’t suggest it, it will cost only a few dollars, not hundreds. Many books can be purchased as electronic and far less expensive than physical books.
Please don’t be scared, and lastly, ask your teachers which books they suggest you purchase and which are best left out. This is a strategy I utilized throughout nursing school. It worked for me.
There are a variety of work-study opportunities available.
A work-study position is ideal for those who are nurses. They pay a set amount, let you study, and provide you with invaluable experiences within the field.
For instance, you could have the opportunity to work as a student nurse while also helping an instructor with their day-to-day duties.
You are qualified for work-study positions by submitting your financial aid application. Complete the FAFSA at the time you have completed your education. You should keep it updated whenever something happens to alter it.
Nightshift Work
Making an effort to determine the most suitable schedule for your family and mental health may be essential. You may be able to earn money based on the area of your practice and still be able to go to classes—my personal experience. I have found that studying during the early morning hours allowed me some study time.
A variety of factors can influence the price of pursuing a nursing career. Even if you experience your “flat tire” moments, you must be aware that pursuing a degree can impact your life and the lives of the people you cherish.