There are numerous educational pathways to solidifying a career in the nursing industry. Our list of the cheapest nursing schools will help you pursue a career as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or delivery nurse. Keep reading to find the various financial aid options and the cost breakdowns of the cheapest nursing degrees.
We will also include tips on how to save money while attending some of the most affordable nursing schools. We hope our list of the cheapest nursing schools will help you make an informed decision that suits your financial preferences.
What Are the Most Affordable Nursing Schools in the US?
The most affordable nursing schools in the US are Oklahoma City University, Florida State University, and University of West Georgia. Our list of affordable nursing programs covers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs that will help advance your career in nursing or healthcare. The universities offer accredited nursing curricula that can help students and professional nurses complete their collegiate nursing education.
How Much Do the Cheapest Nursing Schools Cost?
The cheapest nursing schools cost between $5,070 to $12,750 per year. The cost of a nursing major will vary by school, student residency, and delivery style. The cost of tuition for online nursing programs tends to be cheaper than for in-person programs. Students can also minimize their cost of attendance by going to community colleges and transferring credits.
Cheapest Nursing Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and fees. Tuition rates and fees are the primary components of any degree in nursing. They make up a large portion of the overall cost of attendance at the nursing school.
- Books and supplies. Universities generally have a set book and supply requirement for nursing and other programs. You might minimize this cost by purchasing used books.
- Health insurance. This cost component applies to in-person nursing students. Many schools require you to purchase a health insurance policy to attend their school.
- Student housing. Housing and accommodation factors tend to increase the overall cost of an affordable nursing program for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Food. The cost of education also includes food and other necessary expenses. Depending on your preference, you can sign up for school meal plans or manage your own food costs.
Why You Should Attend a Nursing School
You should attend a nursing school because the field of nursing offers a rewarding career, growth opportunities, and a stable job outlook. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook rate for registered nurses projects the profession to grow by nine percent between 2020 and 2030.
Collegiate nursing education will help establish your career across clinical practice, pediatric care, cardiac, or critical care nursing sectors. The nursing field rewards experienced nurses who have apt education. According to PayScale, the average salary for a nurse anesthetist CRNA is $166,716 and a degree in nursing can help you land this lucrative job.
Best Nursing School Career Options
The best nursing school career options are nurse anesthetist, cardiac nurse, emergency room nurse, and nurse practitioner. Your career growth, trajectory, and salary will be based on your nursing license, professional experience, and nursing education.
You can choose from a wide range of nursing professions but some of the most fruitful nursing careers are in the anesthesia and practitioner fields. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nurse anesthetists, midwives, and practitioners is projected to grow by 45 percent between 2020 and 2030.
Nursing Salary
The average salary for a nursing graduate is $45,045, according to PayScale reports. Your specific salary range is dependent on your choice of nursing profession, educational qualifications, and clinical experience. Prospective nurses with graduate education and practical experience will earn higher wages compared to registered nurses with no education.
The state of employment also plays a crucial role in determining your nursing salary. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, California, Hawaii, and Oregon are the highest paying states for registered nurses.
Can You Attend Nursing School for Free?
Yes, you can attend nursing school for free if you get a full scholarship or land a teaching assistantship position at a nursing school. Qualified students can apply for merit-based or financial aid-based scholarship opportunities. However, without full financial aid, you cannot attend nursing school for free.
For those wanting a free nursing education, free online courses offered by accredited institutions can be a great educational experience. You can also opt for online nursing programs to minimize your overall cost of education.
Cheapest Nursing Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City University | $5,070 | $10,908 | 27% |
| Florida State University | $5,656 | $18,786 | 83% |
| University of West Georgia | $6,521 | $17,576 | 42% |
| East Carolina University | $7,297 | $23,574 | 66% |
| Lamar University | $8,690 | $18,482 | 39% |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,737 | $24,828 | 47% |
| Indiana State University | $9,598 | $20,862 | 41% |
| Touro University Nevada | $9,900 | $9,900 | 88% |
| Stony Brook University | $10,455 | $28,375 | 78% |
| University of Michigan- Flint | $12,750 | $29,974 | 36% |
What Are the Cheapest Nursing Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Nursing School With Financial Aid
There are several ways to pay for nursing school with financial aid. The financial aid opportunities and eligibility will vary from school to school. You can apply for government, university, or non-government grants to fund your nursing education. Below are a few ways to finance your nursing school tuition and fees.
Federal Grants
Federal grants popularly known as FAFSA are government-based education assistance programs for students belonging to lower-income groups. You will need to submit your financial documents, state residency documents, and nursing school information with your application.
State grants also fall under governmental financial aid but are offered to in-state students applying for public or private nursing universities.
Federal Loans
Federal loans are education loans offered by the government. You can choose to apply for four types of direct loans for your undergraduate or graduate nursing program. Federal loans are apt for those looking for a government guarantee interest rate and who want to minimize or avoid credit checks.
Private Loans
Private loans are offered by non-governmental lenders such as banks and credit unions. The interest rates for private education loans are privatized and set by the lender. You need to go through credit checks and typically need a cosigner to get approved for a private loan.
Work Study
Work-study programs fall under federal financial aid opportunities and are offered to students requiring financial aid. You will need to work a certain number of required hours at approved on-campus or off-campus placements to meet your work-study requirements. This aid will offer tuition, fees, or housing grants in exchange for part-time work.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching or research assistantships are great financial aid options for graduate or senior undergraduate nursing students. You will need to acquire a 4.0 in the specific subject or meet the GPA requirements set by the professor to be eligible for these assistantships. These types of financial aid usually cover full tuition rates.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Nursing School Program
Below are the steps to apply for federal aid to finance your nursing school program. Be sure to check all the eligibility requirements to submit a successful application.
- Create a federal student aid ID. The first step is to create an FSA ID. This will require you to create a username and a password to submit your FAFSA application through the online portal. To create your ID, you must include your social security number and date of birth.
- Get the required documents ready. Depending on your application profile, you may need to submit your parent’s social security numbers, driver’s license, alien registration number, and federal tax documents.
- Get your untaxed income and cash information ready. Your federal aid application also requires to you declare any untaxed income, cash, assets, and investments. Students who are dependents should include relevant financial documents of their parents.
- Start the FAFSA application. Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can start the application. You can log into the FAFSA page and complete the application.
- List out the colleges. The next step is to make a list of nursing schools that accept FAFSA aid. You can use the federal school code search to check if your choice of nursing school is listed.
- Report all the necessary financial information. The next step is to upload all the required financial documents. If you are applying as a dependent you need to include your parents’ financial information.
- Verify the information and submit it. The last step is to verify all the information and submit a signed FAFSA form.
Best Nursing Scholarships
- Edna Hicks Fund Scholarship | Amount: $500. The Edna Hicks Fund scholarship is offered to Florida students applying for undergraduate or graduate nursing programs. You need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA to meet the eligibility criteria.
- American Indian Nurse Scholarship | Amount: $1,500. This scholarship is offered to students of American Indian descent interested in nursing programs. It requires the recipients to maintain good academic standing to continue receiving a $1,500 scholarship per semester.
- ENA Emergency Nurses Scholarship | Amount: $2,500 to $10,000. If you are interested in getting an education in emergency nursing, this scholarship is for you. It requires its recipients to be ENA members and have a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
Cheapest Undergraduate Nursing Schools
Below are the cheapest undergraduate nursing schools you can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at. These nursing programs will help you enter nursing practice, registered nursing, or licensed nursing careers.
Most Affordable Nursing Associate Degree Programs
- Denver College of Nursing | Associate Degree in Nursing | $37,754. This nursing program is best suited for students who have 18 months of didactic and clinical nursing course experience. You will learn health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, basic surgical concepts, and RN leadership subjects.
- Bakersfield College | Associate Degree in Nursing | $8,460. This associate program is designed to prep you for a career as a registered nurse. Its curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, nursing care, and pharmacology.
- South Texas College | Associate Degree in Nursing | $16,404. If you are a licensed vocational nurse or a paramedic wanting to transition into a registered nurse career then this degree is for you. It covers mental health nursing, clinical nursing, physiology, and pharmacology.
- Pennsylvania College of Health and Sciences | Associate of Science in Nursing | $628 per credit. If you prefer a long-term and flexible degree timeline, this nursing program is for you. The 67 credits of this five-semester program cover clinical mathematics, microbiology, health assessment, and statistics.
- Allan Hancock College | Associate of Science in Nursing: Registered Nursing (LVN to RN) | $1,150 in-state/year; $8,998 out-of-state/year. Having an associate degree will qualify you to take the NCLEX exam. It is apt for licensed vocational nurses who want to get an education that will make them eligible for a registered nurse position.
Most Affordable Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Florida State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $3,449/semester in-state; $11,538/semester out-of-state. This on-campus bachelor’s degree will prepare you for the national registered nursing licensure exam. You will gain an advanced understanding of nursing practice, health assessment, pathophysiology, and evidence-based nursing.
- University of Oklahoma | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $174/credit in-state; $555.58/credit out-of-state. This nursing program is a great choice for full-time nurses looking to get an all-rounded nursing education. With 67 credit hours of courses, the program prepares you for the NCLEX exam. You will learn clinical nursing, pharmacology, health assessment, and professional nursing.
- Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $784/credit in-state; $1,248/credit out-of-state. Arizona State University offers an array of online and in-person nursing programs. This traditional BSN degree is best suited for licensed professionals. You can complete it on a 16 or 24-month schedule.
- University of Central Florida | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $105/credit. This traditional bachelor’s degree is a five-semester program. Its courses cover statistics, human anatomy, nursing care, physical assessment, and pharmacology. You will also prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Chamberlain University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $675 – $699/credit (varies by location). This nursing program will help you clear the NCLEX exam and land a lucrative licensed nursing job. The curriculum covers nursing simulation, pharmacology, adult care, healthcare systems, and pathophysiology.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Nursing
If a career in nursing research or nursing management is your goal, then our list of the cheapest graduate nursing schools can guide you towards a master’s degree. Along with being a career advancer, graduate degrees help you build your expertise in the nursing field.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Nursing
- The University of Texas at Austin | Master of Science in Nursing | $1,418/credit in-state; $2,035/credit out-of-state (cheaper for more credits). If you have a registered nursing license or hold a BSN degree, then this master’s degree is for you. It offers concentrations in gerontology clinical nursing, family practice, pediatric practice, mental health, and leadership nursing.
- Thomas University | Master of Science in Nursing| $570/credit. This master’s program focuses on advanced nursing practice and covers leadership, clinical, and practice nursing. It requires 36 credit hours that can be completed in one to two years.
- University of Michigan | Master of Science in Nursing | $1,834/credit in-state; $3,339/credit out-of-state. University of Michigan has a high-ranking graduate nursing program that will be a great addition to your resume. This master’s offers in-person clinical and online leadership nursing concentration options. You can enter family practice, nursing administration, or healthcare analytics with this degree.
- Ohio State University | Master of Science in Nursing | $972.50/credit in-state; $1,662.56/credit out-of-state. According to US News and World Report, Ohio State University ranks number seven in the best master’s nursing program schools of 2023. This MSN degree is apt for students with an active registered nursing license and a bachelor’s degree. Its curriculum focuses on advanced nursing practice, healthcare leadership, evidence-based nursing, and pathophysiology.
- University of San Francisco | Master’s Entry- Master of Science in Nursing | $1,555/unit. This 68-credit master’s program is designed for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders looking to enter the field. It will provide you with advanced nursing education and will help you clear the NCLEX exam for a career in registered nursing.
Most Affordable PhDs in Nursing Universities
- George Mason University | PhD in Nursing | $766.45/credit in-state; $1,681/credit out-of-state. This PhD is focused on nursing research and academia and requires 48 credits beyond a master’s degree. It covers data analysis, qualitative study design, healthcare administration, and advanced nursing practice.
- University of San Francisco | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $1,555/unit. If you are interested in pursuing a leadership role in the nursing field, this degree is for you. It offers concentrations in psychiatric nursing and family practice.
- University of Utah | PhD in Nursing | $3,392.7/credit in-state; $6,638.11/credit out-of-state. The curriculum of this PhD is research-based and covers nursing science, analytical research, and healthcare leadership topics.
- University of Minnesota | PhD in Nursing | $9,500/semester in-state; $16,500/semester out-of-state. This PhD is for both MSN and BSN holders looking to specialize in nursing research. This concentration covers health promotions, symptom management, nursing informatics, and chronic health condition topics.
- University of Kansas | PhD in Nursing | $421.15/credit in-state; $989.60/credit out-of-state. If you hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and are currently licensed, this PhD is for you. It covers statistics, variance analysis, precision health, and nursing research subjects.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Nursing School
There are several factors to consider while choosing your nursing school. These include financial, admissions, curriculum, and location preferences. Below are the top five factors you should consider while shortlisting a nursing program.
Cost
Tuition is an important deciding factor that should be taken into account while choosing a program. Remember that the cost of tuition closely tracks the cost of living, so a cheap school in New York may ding your budget more than an expensive school in Idaho. You can contact the school’s admissions and nursing department to find potential scholarships or research assistantship positions to aid your finances.
Requirements
The admissions and eligibility requirements for nursing programs vary from school to school. Some require an active license while others don’t. Similarly, some schools offer programs apt for non-nursing students. You should choose programs that match your academic and professional background.
Curriculum
The world of nursing is broad. It can cover clinical, research, practice, or administration areas. You should choose a program that coincides with your career goals and interests.
Program Reputation
The reputation of a program is a great candidacy-enhancing factor. You should choose a nursing school and a program that is accredited and well-recognized.
Delivery Method
The delivery method of a program is another essential consideration factor. Online programs are best suited for professional registered nurses looking to get a degree.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Nursing School
- Opt for off-campus housing. In-person students can save money by living in off-campus houses, which are often cheaper compared to university dorms and apartments. In-state students can live with their parents to save more money.
- Apply for teaching assistantships. Teaching assistants typically get their tuition waived. You can apply for a teaching assistantship position with the nursing department to save on your tuition cost.
- Enroll in online nursing programs. Online nursing degrees are generally cheaper than in-person programs. You can get an affordable nursing education at a wide range of online schools.
- Apply for nursing scholarships. There are tons of private and federal scholarships offered to nursing students. You can apply for these opportunities to reduce your tuition costs.
- Transfer credits from an associate degree. This tip is apt for BSN degree aspirants. You can transfer credits from your associate degree to save money on your bachelor’s credit hours.
Cheapest Online Schools for Nursing
The cheapest online schools for nursing can help you get ready for education, research, and administration-focused nursing careers. Below are the best online nursing schools that will provide you with well-rounded nursing education.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global | $315/credit | 29% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $320/credit | 39% |
| Capella University | $357 to $451/credit | 50% |
| Grand Canyon University | $340/credit | 45% |
| Arizona State University | $561 – $1,343/credit | 26% |
Most Affordable Online Nursing Bachelor’s Programs
- Purdue Global University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing- RN to BSN | $315/credit. This online BSN can be completed in 18 months and will help you enter nursing research, practice, or administration professions. It covers health management, care therapies, professional ethics, and nursing practice.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing- RN to BSN | $320/credit. SNHU’s online nursing bachelor’s program is best suited for registered nurses who want to get a bachelor’s degree in one year. It allows up to 45-credit transfers and offers a flexible schedule.
- Capella University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing- RN to BSN | $6,590 for the accelerated path. An online BSN is a great way to get an accelerated nursing education and advance in your RN career. You can transfer up to 135 credits into this 180-credit program.
- Grand Canyon University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing- RN to BSN | $455/credit. This online and evening nursing program covers statistical analysis, health promotion, physical assessment, and evidence-based nursing. You can complete it in a year.
- Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing- RN to BSN | $511/credit. ASU’s digital immersion program offers an array of online degrees that cover nursing. This BSN degree can help you enter clinical, critical care, anesthesia, or psychiatric nursing fields.
Most Affordable Online Nursing Master’s Programs
- Fort Hays State University | Masters in Nursing Education | $298.55/credit. This online nursing education master’s requires 36 credits and covers administration and education topics. It covers teaching strategies, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing theories.
- The University of Alabama | Master of Science in Nursing- Nurse Administrators | $440/credit. If you want to advance your career and pursue healthcare management, this nursing administration program is for you. It requires 33 to 39 credit hours.
- Ohio State University | Master of Science in Nursing | $47,568/five semesters. This online master’s offers concentrations in family, neonatal, psychiatric, and clinical nursing subjects. According to US News and World Report, Ohio State University ranks number one on the best online MSN programs.
- Texas A&M International University | Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration | $11,377/program. This master’s program requires 31 credits that can be completed in 10 months. It covers critical analysis, evidence-based practice, and ethical healthcare management.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Nursing – Master’s in Nursing Education | $627/credit. If you want to become a nurse educator then this master’s degree is for you. It covers informatics, health policies, professional practice, and legal industry standards.
Will Attending an Online Nursing School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online nursing school will save you money. Online nursing education does not require you to pay relocation, on-campus housing, and other in-person fees. Online degrees are also generally more affordable compared to in-person programs.
Benefits of Online Nursing Programs
- Flexible education. Online nursing programs are best suited for full-time nursing professionals looking for a flexible schedule. You can enroll in evening classes or choose a time that fits your schedule.
- Affordable option. Online nursing programs are more affordable while offering high-quality, accredited education.
- Caters to nursing education aspirants. Online nursing programs are best for nursing education career aspirants. You can get an online master’s or PhD in nursing education.
- Enhances your time management skills. Having good time-management skills is highly beneficial in today’s remote work culture. Online nursing programs will help enhance this skill.
- Apt work-life balance. The flexibility of online nursing programs allows for a better work-life balance than in-person education.
Highest-Paying Nursing Careers
| Nursing Job | Nursing Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | Master’s Degree | $123,780 |
| Nurse Midwives | Master’s Degree | $123,780 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Master’s Degree | $123,780 |
| Registered Nurse | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree | $77,660 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Postsecondary Non-Degree | $48,070 |
Best Nursing Jobs Explained
Below are the best nursing school jobs you can get with an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Your salary and job outlook rate will vary depending on your state of employment and experience.
Nursing Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Nursing Schools
We chose the most affordable nursing colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Nursing
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Cheapest Nursing Schools FAQ
You can become a registered nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing. However, if you want to advance to a nurse practitioner position, registered nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the degree for you.
The cheapest nursing bachelor’s programs are offered by Oklahoma City University, Florida State University, Lamar University, and East Carolina University.
Some of the most popular nursing majors cover family practice, mental health, nursing education, healthcare administration, clinical nursing, and pediatric nursing.
The best nursing jobs include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practioners, and registered nurses.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
