Tuition costs will be the bulk of your LPN to RN expenses. At-home programs are more likely to be offered by private institutions, meaning they can be more expensive. For example, Excelsior College's program will cost a student between $7,000 and $10,000 depending on the number of courses needed to complete your studies.
Nursing text books are very expensive. Expect to budget around $1500 per semester for text books. Nursing texts are an investment, so don't plan on selling them back to the bookstore. You will need them for years to come.
In the course of your LPN to RN education, you will undoubtedly encounter other fees. Clinical sites often charge participation fees in the neighborhood of $100 to $200. You should also take into consideration the costs of uniforms, shoes and other supplies. If you are on a budget, many of these items can be found at discount stores for a reasonable price.
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure EXamination) is the last hurdle to jump before obtaining your RN license. In 2010, the NCLEX exam fee was $200. Once you sit for your NCLEX and pass, you will receive your RN license.