Average Cost of Nursing School
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the average cost of tuition and fees for an undergraduate nursing program is $11,307 per year for in-state students and $25,620 per year for out-of-state students. The average cost of tuition and fees for a graduate nursing program is $12,410 per year for in-state students and $27,240 per year for out-of-state students.
Additional Expenses
In addition to tuition and fees, you will also need to factor in the cost of books and supplies, transportation, housing, and food. The total cost of attending nursing school can range from $25,000 to $75,000, depending on your individual circumstances.
Financial Aid
There are a number of financial aid options available to help you pay for nursing school, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The type of financial aid you qualify for will depend on your income, assets, and other factors.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to nursing students, both from the government and from private organizations. Some scholarships are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need or other criteria.
Grants
Grants are another type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants are available from the federal government, state governments, and private organizations.
Loans
Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. Loans are available from the federal government, private banks, and credit unions.
Work-Study
Work-study programs allow students to earn money by working part-time on campus. Work-study jobs are available at a variety of locations, including the library, the student union, and the financial aid office.
Paying for Nursing School
Paying for nursing school can be a challenge, but it is possible to make it work with careful planning and budgeting. There are a number of financial aid options available to help you pay for nursing school, so be sure to explore all of your options.
Is Nursing School Worth It?
Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers many opportunities for advancement. The median annual wage for registered nurses is $75,330, and the job outlook is expected to grow 7% over the next decade. If you are passionate about helping others, nursing may be the right career for you.