How Much Does An Online Nursing Degree Cost

How Much Does Nursing School Really Cost

Going to nursing school and becoming a Registered Nurse is undoubtedly a major investment in your future. Its a job that pays well. According to the BLS, the average RN salary in 2020 was $80,010. The career also enjoys a great outlook with a 7% growth projection throughout the decade, much faster than average.

But before you can start reaping the benefits of having gone to nursing school, its a major investment. How much exactly does nursing school cost? Thats one of the most pressing concerns that all aspiring RNs share. The truth is there is no one clear-cut answer to the full cost of a nursing degree. It largely depends on a variety of factors: which type of degree youre considering, where do you want to study, how do you want to study, and more.

In this guide, well explore the average costs of nursing education, tuition prices for different degrees from ADN and BSN to MSN, as well as the hidden costs associated with getting a degree. So, if you want to be as informed as you can about how much nursing school will cost, read on to find out.

Contents

• 7 Are You Ready to Undertake the Nursing School Journey?

Public Vs Private Nursing School Programs

Although not a hard and fast rule, private colleges generally cost more than public colleges. Public higher education institutions receive taxpayer funds from the state government, which means that students do not need to pay as much in tuition.

Depending on the type of program, degree seekers can usually expect to pay $500 per credit or under at public universities graduate students might pay more. Private universities might charge nursing students up to $1500 or even $2000 per credit.

Higher cost does not necessarily correlate to a higher-quality education. Many public school programs offer top-ranked nursing programs. Although private universities generally demand higher costs, students might choose these programs if they obtain scholarships, or if they determine that the education and networking opportunities will be worth it in the long run.

Estimated Cost For Masters And Dnp Programs

Below is an estimate of the cost of attendance for part-time graduate students at UR Nursing for the 2021-22 academic year. Your total estimated cost depends on how many courses you take per semester, and whether the courses you take have associated fees. Use this estimated cost of attendance to help decide how much money youll need to attend UR Nursing and how much financial aid you may need to meet that goal. Reference Tuition Rate Schedule of Charges and your programs degree plan to determine if your programs courses include associated fees.

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Educational Pathways To Becoming An Rn

RNs are required to have at least a two-year associates degree, but many RNs choose to pursue a four-year bachelors degree to increase their salary. The path to becoming an RN has options, such as earning a diploma and being able to work while completing your bachelors degree.

Every RN must be licensed within their state and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

The primary options for RN programs include:

• Diploma Programs: Licensed practical nursing or Licensed Vocational Nursing offer an accelerated program to enter the field. These programs are available through hospitals, vocational schools and community colleges.
• Associate of Science in Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing : These programs take about two years and are offered at vocational schools and community colleges. An associates degree is often a stepping stone for those on their way to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who want to work and earn money sooner.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing : This is a four-year degree program often necessary for a higher-paying salary. This program is offered at universities and includes general education requirements along with your clinical experiences.

Other nursing education options include the bridge program, RN-BSN, which offers continuing education for those with a diploma or associate degree to complete their BSN. Those who completed a bachelors degree in a different field of study can choose to complete an accelerated BSN program, but school tuition is more expensive.

Jobs In The Field Of Nursing

To say that the demand for nurses is strong would be an understatement. Skilled nurses are in extremely high demand around the world. A recent search on Indeed listed over 38,000 open positions in nursing in the United States alone and estimates an average salary of just over $30 per hour. Expect to find open job positions in almost any city you wish to work. Nurses with advanced specializations are also in very high demand and can command much higher salaries. General Nurse Practitioners can open their own practice or work in hospitals or clinics. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists , one of the highest paid nursing specializations, are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures and requires advanced education. Indeed.com estimates the average salary of CRNAs at over $150,000 per year.

Enroll in free biology and life sciences courses on edX to get an introduction to many areas of study relevant to a nursing education.

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How To Pay For An Rn

Money can be a huge factor when it comes to obtaining your BSN degree, even for RN to BSN online bridge programs. But there are a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans that can help you offset the costs. These will vary based on your specific need but, we encourage you to explore all options. Most nurses will utilize tuition reimbursement from their employer to earn their BSN degree.

Pursue An Affordable Rn To Bsn Online Program At Gcu

As previously stated, earning your BSN degree through our affordable RN to BSN online program prepares you to become a leader in the healthcare field. With our 30% RN to BSN cost reduction, we are able to offer the same standard of education with the convenience of obtaining your degree online in as little as 12 months, without missing out on a college community connection experience.2

If youre not familiar with online learning, you can also explore the many resources that GCU provides you with to support you as you learn. Among these resources are student services counselors, technical help, the GCU library and more. Youll discover a world of support at your fingertips and can take advantage of a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable GCU community as you pursue your program.

GCU is a Christian university that sets you up for success through providing you with a quality, challenging curriculum from a Christian perspective in which compassion and care are central to who we are. To learn more about how to earn your BSN through our accredited, affordable RN to BSN program at GCU, click on Request Info on the top of your page.

1 2022-23 academic year

2 Must transfer 90 approved semester credits toward the required 120 credits and double coursework twice during the 10-week courses in order to complete the program in 12 months.

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Associates Degree Nursing Program

Associates Degree Nurses are registered nurses who have gone through a 1.5-2 year ADN program. While you are a registered nurse, you dont have your BSN, which a lot of hospitals are starting to require.

There isnt many pay differences, but a lot of hospitals are starting to require you achieve your BSN within a certain time period. Additionally, you wont be able to further your education as far as masters programs are concerned until you earn a Bachelors degree.

How much does an ADN nursing program cost? Typically associates nursing programs will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 depending on what type of college you attend .

Bachelor Of Science In Nursing

Students may anticipate total tuition fees of at least $40,000 for a standard four-year bachelor of science in nursing program. Tuition might cost up to $80,000 or even more. BSN degrees generally need 120 credits and are charged on a per-credit basis by schools and institutions.

Nonetheless, some public colleges offer more modest tuition, scholarships, and other forms of financial help, as well as reduced tuition rates for military members and veterans. Certain states provide specialized financial assistance programs to nursing students.

Additionally, schools may offer discounted tuition to high school graduates with good GPAs or dual credit. Students enrolled in online RN-to-BSN programs must complete only two years of school, which significantly reduces tuition costs.

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Youre Not In This Alone

While online degrees require you to do a lot of the work yourself, you dont have to do it alone. In fact, online colleges are set up to provide students with a ton of support and assistance to help them succeed. Students have direct access to their teachers and lecturers. You can ask them questions, get feedback, and clarify points you might have missed during a class. Online colleges also have professional advisors, student community forums, and other people available to help you navigate the online degree process. You can even join fellow students, form study groups, and arrange tutors to help with your homework and assignments. So while youre doing the work on your own, there are plenty of people to help you along the way.

Is Grand Canyon University Expensive

GCU is committed to providing an affordable education for all. Our tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state on-campus students is $16,500, with the average on-campus GCU student paying just $8,100 for room and board. Our pledge to affordable education can be seen in our decision to not increase campus tuition rates since 2009.1 Other costs that may affect your final total include book fees, room and board and class fees. GCU offers various scholarships for on-campus and online students which may help your costs become even more affordable. Find detailed information about your estimated cost of attendance, as well as any scholarships you may qualify for.

Average tuition after scholarships is approximately $8,900.2 Scholarships may be awarded based on 6th semester transcripts. At the time in which final, official transcripts are received, GCU reserves the right to rescind or modify the scholarship if it is determined that eligibility was not achieved. GCU reserves the right to decline scholarship awards for any reason. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. GCU reserves the right to change scholarship awards at any time without notice. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited.

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How Much Is Online Vs On

Among the many things that impact nursing school costs is the format of the studies: is it an on-campus program offered by a traditional, brick-and-mortar institution, or an online program? The prices of online vs on-campus nursing schools will vary considerably.

With online programs students rely on digital tools to learn and complete coursework. The lectures are online, class participation happens through chat boards, email, etc. and assignments are also completed and turned in using online tools. Nursing is such a hands-on profession however so even for online programs there is an offline component. Learners need to attend their clinical rotations and supervised field experiences on-site.

Still, online programs generally cost less than traditional ones. Thats partly because learners enrolled in online programs save a lot of money on other expenses, such as boarding, transportation, childcare, and others.

While an online RN-to-BSN program can cost in the range of $20,000 to $80,000, for an on-campus program you may have to pay out-of-pocket $32,000 to $100,000, or more for school-related expenses.

Additional Costs Of Nursing School

On top of nursing school tuition costs, students should factor in other related expenses, including books, supplies, and transportation.

Typically costing a minimum of a few hundred dollars each semester, textbooks can ultimately cost thousands over the course of 2-4 years. Students also need to invest in their nursing outfits and supplies. Clothing can cost around $200, and lab supplies and stethoscopes might cost $300-$500. Degree seekers should also consider the cost of the $200 NCLEX exam and background checks needed for their licensure application.

Degree seekers may find themselves facing additional everyday costs. They need to factor in transportation to class, which could include the price of gas, road tolls, or public transit. Even individuals pursuing an online degree may need to sort out transportation to their clinical sites.

Students who live on campus must pay for room and board and meal plans. Students with families might need to consider childcare, such as babysitting or daycare for their children, while they attend class. These daily costs may vary greatly by location.

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Indiana University Online Bloomington In

Indiana Universitys online RN to BSN Degree Completion Option allows nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing while working. Flexible study paths include completion in 12 months full-time or completion in 18 to 24 months part-time after general education coursework is done. Semesters are condensed eight-week modules, with the curriculum including informatics, genetics, gerontological nursing, nursing research, and complementary therapies. The program offers tailored practicum to match students goals for a Bachelors in Nursing online

Indiana University has more than 94,000 students over nine campuses statewide, plus online. It was recently ranked by Reuters as number 27 of the worlds most innovative universities. Founded in 1820 as one of the first public universities west of the Allegheny Mountains, IU is now one of the top public research universities in the world providing liberal arts and sciences education. The schools vision is to be the preeminent institution of higher education in Indiana with world-class research, scholarship, and creative activity, and its mission includes achieving full diversity and a strong commitment to academic freedom.

The University Of Louisiana At Monroe

• Tuition: $292 per credit hour

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an accelerated R.N. to BSN program to students who want to advance their skills and experience. It prepares learners for specialized nursing roles as well as graduate studies. Coursework involves a wide range of topics such as basic pharmacological principles, information management systems, and more.

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Thomas Edison State University

• Admissions: Rolling admissions
• Program Length: 27-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as little as 15 months. BSN courses are offered during 8-week sessions and there are 4 one-week breaks every 12 months.
• Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Program Cost: $14,850
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• College of Nursing – Contact Phone Number: 609-777-5680
• College of Nursing – Email Address: admissions@tesu.edu

• Admissions: Applications are accepted in March and September
• Program Length: 31-Credit Hours. Students could choose to enroll full-time or part-time .
• Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Program Cost: $5,125. Tuition $3,730, lab fees $545 and textbooks $850.
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• College of Nursing – Contact Phone Number: 386-752-1822

East Tennessee State University

• Tuition: $483 per credit hour

East Tennessee State Universitys CCNE-accredited RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses with hospital certificates or associate degrees. The coursework covers professional nursing practice, health assessment, public health, health promotion, and informatics. It also provides training for nursing leadership and management.

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Nursing School Costs And Tuition

How much does nursing school cost? What kind of tuition can you expect to pay for LPN programs, RN programs, or advanced practice registered nurse programs, such as nurse practitioner, CRNA, or nurse midwife? Those are great questions!

In this article and video, Ill give you an idea of the costs you can expect to pay in a nursing program.

Lost Wages Versus Working During School

While some school programs, especially transition or bridge programs, may offer the flexibility of accommodating the working student, many schools maintain a traditional curriculum. Students must consider how much money will be lost while attending school instead of working his or her current job versus how much will be earned upon graduation and how to pay those pesky bills during school. If the student has a family to support this may be even more complicated.

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A Career That Offers Personal And Professional Satisfaction

• Estimated 9% growth for registered nurses from 2020 to 2030 as of September 20212
• 276,800 new jobs estimated to open for registered nurses from 2020 to 2030 as of September 20212
• Median annual wage of $77,600 for registered nurses as of May 20213

BSN graduates have additional opportunities for advancement to leadership roles and are preferred by many employers.

Salt Lake City ABSN Learning Site

150 Civic Center Drive, Suite 500,Sandy, UT 84070

A non-nursing bachelors degree or minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits are required to begin the admissions process, depending on the ABSN location youre applying to.

The University Of Texas At El Paso

• Tuition: $275 , $383 per credit hour

The University of Texas at El Paso provides a comprehensive online nursing program grounded on nursing theories, humanities, arts, and sciences. It also focuses on the application of knowledge based on scientific inquiry as well as patient care technology. Coursework also includes evidence-based practice and research, education, and leadership.

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Online Rn Programs And Opportunities

The need for qualified registered nurses continues to rise each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for these professionals to grow 9% in 2020-2030. Certain factors, like the aging baby boomer population, may add to this increase.

Many RNs practice with only an associate degree. However, a bachelor’s of science in nursing leads to even more opportunities. Thanks to online RN programs, aspiring nurses can pursue their career goals flexibly.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of earning an online nursing degree, salary potential, and licensure requirements.

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.