How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

As with any college degree program, cost is a major factor to consider when choosing a nursing program. But many other factors can impact the price you pay, such as school location, program length and format, degree type, and whether your school is private versus public.

If you’re wondering “How much does nursing school cost?” explore these cost averages and discover how your academic goals and unique individual circumstances might affect how much you end up paying.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Nursing school costs aren’t one size fits all. What one student pays for their nursing program may be drastically different than what another pays although both earn the same degree. Some programs may be costlier than others simply because they are longer in length while others may be more affordable because they are entirely online.

Also, public schools tend to be more affordable than private schools. These factors and more can influence nursing school expenses.

Nursing school cost may be affected by:

The most affordable nursing school option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program because it’s the fastest path to taking the NCLEX-RN and getting your RN license. These programs last for about two years if enrolled full-time.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average yearly cost of an ADN program is $12,300 as of 2022. This includes tuition, housing, and other fees. The entire two-year program can range from $23,900-$66,320.

Public universities cost a yearly average of $11,950. Private school costs are between $24,950-$33,160 per year.

Traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs take four years to complete if enrolled full-time. Working professionals or students with degrees in non-nursing fields can earn a BSN in less time through non-traditional nursing bridge programs.

Including tuition, housing, and other fees, the average yearly cost for BSN programs is $30,880 as of 2022, according to the NCES. The entire four-year program can range from $89,560-$211,390. Public schools cost a yearly average of $22,390 and private schools average between $27,770-$52,850 per year.

Nurses with a BSN can complete a traditional master’s degree in nursing (MSN) program in 1-2 years if enrolled full-time. Other options include RN-to-MSN bridge programs, allowing RNs with ADNs to earn an MSN in 2-4 years.

According to the NCES, the average cost for MSN programs ranges from $15,030-$42,880 as of 2020. The average yearly cost is $12,480 and includes tuition and fees without room and board.

Students pursuing master’s degrees at public institutions can expect to pay around $9,340 per year. The average yearly cost of private schools ranges from $9,510-$21,440.

Nurses with an MSN can complete traditional doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs after 2-4 years of full-time study. RNs with undergraduate degrees can earn a DNP in 3-6 years through nursing bridge programs.

The NCES reports the average cost of DNP programs (in research, scholarship, professional practice, and others) ranging from $63,570-$172,280 as of 2020. The average yearly cost is $61,080, including tuition and fees without room and board.

Learners enrolled in DNP programs at public institutions pay an average tuition of $23,390 per year. The average cost of private schools ranges from $28,280-$43,070 per year.

How much does nursing school cost? Nursing school can be expensive, but costs vary depending on many factors. Paying for nursing school, however, doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank.

Financial assistance is available to cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and other nursing school expenses. Students may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid (includes student loans and grants).

Working part-time while attending school can also help students pay for tuition or get a head start on loan payments. After graduation, tuition payback programs might be available through an employer. But some employers require a minimum work commitment before or after earning a degree.