As with all programs, there are a number of options available, ranging from community college programs to those offered at private universities. These options range in price from $3,000 to up to $20,000. However, the options available at the low end of the spectrum are not rare, since associate degrees in nursing are generally offered at junior, community and technical colleges, the price tends to be low. What's more, since the programs are only two years long, students will not need to pay for as much tuition, books or living costs as four-year students.
An associate degree in nursing is essentially a technical degree. This means that the program is focused on teaching a student precisely how to be a nurse. So, unlike in a bachelor's degree program, there are seldom any electives or other required classes--such as language classes or liberal arts classes. An associate degree program teaches hands-on, applied skills. All of the sciences it teaches are directly related to nursing.
According to Successdegrees.com, people with associate degrees in nursing generally start their careers earning around the same amount as graduates with bachelor's degrees in nursing--approximately $60,000 a year, which is $15,000 more than licensed practical nurses (LPNs) make. This means that if you spend a total of $20,000 on tuition, books and living costs you will make your money back threefold in your first year.
While people with associate degrees and those with bachelor's degrees often start their careers with the same positions and salaries, nurses with bachelor's degrees can tend to progress more quickly. Administration, specialty and supervisory positions tend to go to people with bachelor's degrees rather than people with associate degrees. According to Allnursingschools.com, nurses with bachelor's degrees tend to have better opportunities as they progress in their careers.