Key Takeaways
- Cost varies widely by degree level, program type, location, and public versus private.
- One of the cheapest routes is an ADN at a public university, averaging about $11,950 per year.
- Scholarships, grants, loans, part-time work, and employer reimbursement cut the bill substantially.
What Drives Nursing School Cost
Two students can earn the same degree and pay very different amounts. A longer program costs more; a fully online one often costs less; public schools usually run cheaper than private ones. Your total shifts based on:
- Degree type and program length
- Full-time or part-time enrollment
- Public vs. private and nonprofit vs. for-profit
- Location and in-state vs. out-of-state status
- Online vs. on-campus format
- On-campus vs. off-campus housing
- Financial aid eligibility (scholarships, grants, loans, loan forgiveness, employer reimbursement)
- Repeated courses
- Textbooks and supplies (stethoscopes, pen lights, scrubs, shoes)
- Living expenses (meals, transportation, childcare, housing)
ADN Program Cost
The ADN is the most affordable path and the fastest route to the NCLEX-RN and an RN license. Full-time, it runs about two years. Per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average ADN cost $12,300 per year as of 2022, including tuition, housing, and fees. The full two-year program runs $23,900 to $66,320. Public universities average $11,950 per year; private schools run $24,950 to $33,160.
BSN Program Cost
A traditional BSN takes four years full-time, though working nurses and people with a non-nursing degree finish faster through bridge programs. Including tuition, housing, and fees, the BSN averaged $30,880 per year as of 2022, per the NCES. The full four-year program runs $89,560 to $211,390. Public schools average $22,390 per year; private schools run $27,770 to $52,850.
MSN Program Cost
Nurses with a BSN can finish a traditional MSN in one to two years full-time. RN-to-MSN bridge programs let ADN-holding RNs earn one in two to four years. Per the NCES, MSN programs cost $15,030 to $42,880 as of 2020, averaging $12,480 per year for tuition and fees without room and board. Public institutions average about $9,340 per year; private schools run $9,510 to $21,440.
DNP Program Cost
Nurses with an MSN can finish a DNP in two to four years full-time. RNs with an undergraduate degree can earn one in three to six years through a bridge program. The NCES reports DNP costs of $63,570 to $172,280 as of 2020, averaging $61,080 per year for tuition and fees without room and board. Public institutions average $23,390 per year; private schools run $28,280 to $43,070.
Paying for Nursing School
The sticker price is rarely the final price. Scholarships, grants, and student loans cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and more. Working part-time helps you keep up with tuition or get ahead on loan payments. After graduation, some employers offer tuition payback, though many require a minimum work commitment first. Start with the FAFSA at the Federal Student Aid site to see which grants and loans you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to become a nurse? An ADN at a public, in-state school is usually the lowest-cost route to RN licensure, averaging about $11,950 per year at public universities per NCES 2022 data. An LPN program costs less in total but leads to a more limited scope of practice.
How much does a BSN cost? Including tuition, housing, and fees, the BSN averaged $30,880 per year as of 2022, per NCES. Public schools average about $22,390 per year; private schools run higher. A full four-year program ranges from roughly $89,560 to $211,390.
Is nursing school worth the cost? For most people, yes. The national median RN wage was $93,600 in May 2024 (BLS), and the field is projected to keep adding jobs, so tuition is usually recovered within a few years of working.
What is not included in tuition? Plan for textbooks, scrubs, shoes, a stethoscope, lab and testing fees, transportation, and living expenses. These add up and vary widely by program and location.
How do I lower the cost of nursing school? Use scholarships and grants first since they do not have to be repaid, then federal aid through the FAFSA. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement, usually tied to a minimum work commitment.
Are online nursing programs cheaper? Sometimes. Online programs can cut commuting and housing costs and let you keep working, but tuition is not automatically lower. Compare total cost program by program.