Nursing School Cost

Typical costs:

• Tuition, fees, books and supplies for LPN/LVN training in a state-approved program typically costs $5,000-$25,000 at a public college and $20,000-$40,000 or more at a private school, depending on location, length of program (typically 12-18 months) and state residency status (for public schools).
• Tuition, fees, books and supplies for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can cost $6,000-$40,000 or more at a public college and $30,000-$100,000 or more at a private school, depending on location, length, school status, and the student's state of residency (for public schools). Living, transportation and personal expenses will vary.
• Tuition, fees, books and supplies for a traditional four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) typically cost $40,000-$200,000 or more, depending on whether it is a public or private school and its reputation. Tuition, fees, books and supplies for an accelerated BSN program -- for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject -- can cost $17,000-$90,000 or more.
• Diploma programs are the oldest and most traditional nursing education in the United States, and are still offered by a few hospitals. Tuition, fees, books and supplies can cost $18,000-$40,000 or more, depending on the hospital, length and location.

• Taking the NCLEXlicense exam (either -PN or -RN) typically costs about $200, and state license fees can add another $75-$200 or more, depending on the state. However, many schools include these costs in their estimated fees for completing their program.

• There are a variety of nursing scholarship, grant and loan programs available. Filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid^[1] is required before receiving most scholarships or financial aid.
• Information is also available online for federal student aid grants^[2] (which do not need to be repaid) and federal work-study programs^[3] , which are designed for students with financial need.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing lists potential financial aid resources^[4] .
• The Department of Health Resources and Human Services Administration's Nurse Corps scholarship program^[5] pays tuition, fees, related costs and a monthly stipend, in exchange for a commitment to work two years at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility after graduation.

• Search for nursing schools at DiscoverNursing.com^[6] , or contact the state board of nursing^[7] for a list of schools in that state.
• Ask about the school's accreditation, sites where clinical practice is offered, total number of clinical hours students attend (compared to other programs), the NCLEX-RN pass rate and percentage of students placed in jobs or continuing their nursing education. The Kansas Association of Nurse Leaders lists questions to ask a potential nursing program^[8] .
• Scrubs magazine lists questions to consider before entering nursing school^[9] .

1.  www.fafsa.ed.gov/
2.  www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov/clcf/grants.html
3.  www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov/clcf/workstudy.html
4.  www.aacn.nche.edu/students/financial-aid#undergraduate
5.  www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/scholarships/nursing/
6.   www.discovernursing.com/schools#no-filters
7.  www.ncsbn.org/contactbon.htm
8.  www.konl.org/knepcommission/higherdegreesinnursing/questionspotentialstudentsshoul...
9.  scrubsmag.com/four-questions-you-must-ask-yourself-before-entering-nursing-school/

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