How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
2026 EDUCATION COST GUIDE
Nursing school can cost anywhere from about $2,000 for an inexpensive practical nursing program to more than $200,000 for an expensive four-year degree. The biggest factors are the type of nursing degree, whether the school is public or private, and whether you qualify for in-state tuition.
Common tuition range for a two-year associate nursing degree.
Usually one of the least expensive routes into nursing.
Public in-state programs can cost far less than private universities.
Books, uniforms, equipment, exams and clinical requirements.
How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
Nursing school costs vary dramatically depending on the credential. An LPN or LVN program may cost only a few thousand dollars, while an Associate Degree in Nursing commonly costs about $6,000 to $20,000.
A four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing can be considerably more expensive. Tuition at a public university may be relatively affordable for an in-state student, while attending a private or out-of-state university can push the total cost well into six figures.
Students should also budget beyond tuition. Books, uniforms, clinical supplies, background checks, testing fees and licensing expenses can add thousands of dollars over the course of a program.
Nursing School Cost by Degree
| Nursing Program | Typical Tuition |
|---|---|
| CNA Training Short nurse assistant training program | $500–$3,000+ |
| LPN / LVN Program Usually about 12 to 18 months | $2,000–$18,000 |
| Associate Degree in Nursing Commonly offered through community colleges | $6,000–$20,000 |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing Traditional four-year university route | $40,000–$200,000+ |
| Accelerated BSN For students who already hold another bachelor’s degree | $20,000–$80,000+ |
| Master of Science in Nursing Graduate nursing education | $20,000–$100,000+ |
Keep in mind: These are broad tuition planning ranges. A student’s actual cost can be much lower or higher depending on financial aid, residency, school type and how much previous coursework transfers into the program.
How Much Does LPN School Cost?
Community colleges and public technical schools are often toward the lower end, while private career schools can cost considerably more.
Licensed Practical Nurse and Licensed Vocational Nurse programs are generally among the fastest and least expensive nursing education paths. Many can be completed in roughly a year of full-time study.
The lower upfront cost can make practical nursing attractive to students who want to begin working sooner and potentially continue their education later through an LPN-to-RN bridge program.
How Much Does an ADN Nursing Program Cost?
Public community colleges often provide one of the lowest-cost routes to becoming a registered nurse.
An Associate Degree in Nursing generally takes about two years after prerequisites and prepares graduates to pursue RN licensure.
Community colleges can be especially attractive from a cost standpoint. In-state public two-year tuition is often only a fraction of the cost of attending a private four-year university.
How Much Does a BSN Program Cost?
Bachelor of Science in Nursing pricing has one of the widest ranges because BSN programs are offered by both relatively inexpensive public universities and costly private institutions.
Public In-State BSN
$40K–$80K+Students attending a public university in their home state will generally encounter the lowest four-year university tuition rates.
Public Out-of-State BSN
$80K–$150K+Nonresident tuition can make a public university significantly more expensive than the same program for an in-state student.
Private BSN
$100K–$200K+Private university tuition can push the published cost of a four-year nursing degree well above six figures before financial aid.
Public vs. Private Nursing School Cost
School type can change the cost of a nursing degree by tens of thousands of dollars.
Community colleges and in-state public universities are generally the least expensive options.
Public universities can become much more expensive when nonresident tuition applies.
Published private-school tuition can substantially exceed public university prices.
Additional Nursing School Expenses
Tuition is not the only expense nursing students should plan for. Nursing programs commonly have more required equipment and clinical expenses than many traditional college majors.
Textbooks
Nursing textbooks, digital course materials and study resources can add hundreds of dollars per semester.
Scrubs & Uniforms
Programs may require specific uniforms, shoes, lab coats and identification.
Clinical Equipment
A stethoscope, blood-pressure equipment and other supplies may be required.
Background Checks
Clinical placements commonly require screening and documentation before students can begin.
Testing Fees
Programs may charge for standardized testing, simulation, assessments or preparation materials.
Licensing Expenses
Graduates should budget separately for licensing applications, required testing and related fees.
Typical Expenses Beyond Tuition
| Expense | Planning Range |
|---|---|
| Books & Course Materials Depends heavily on program and format | $500–$2,000+ |
| Scrubs & Uniforms Multiple sets may be required | $100–$500+ |
| Stethoscope & Equipment Basic clinical tools and supplies | $100–$500+ |
| Screening & Health Requirements Background checks and required documentation | $100–$500+ |
| Exam & Licensing Costs Testing and state licensing expenses | $300–$700+ |
Tuition Isn’t the Whole Cost of Nursing School
When comparing programs, look at the total cost of attendance rather than tuition alone. Transportation, housing and lost work hours can sometimes matter more than a relatively small difference in tuition.
Clinical rotations can also create transportation and scheduling costs that are easy to overlook before enrollment.
Published tuition is useful for comparison, but grants, scholarships, transfer credits and financial aid can substantially change what an individual student ultimately pays.
How to Reduce the Cost of Nursing School
- Start at a community college. An ADN from a public community college can be one of the least expensive routes to RN licensure.
- Choose an in-state public school. Resident tuition can be substantially lower than out-of-state rates.
- Complete prerequisites affordably. Some students can save by completing transferable prerequisite courses at a lower-cost college.
- Apply for scholarships and grants. Aid that does not need to be repaid directly reduces the cost of the degree.
- Ask about employer tuition assistance. Healthcare employers may provide educational benefits for qualifying workers.
- Compare graduation and licensing outcomes. The cheapest tuition is not necessarily the best value if a program takes significantly longer to complete.
What Nursing Education Can You Get for Your Budget?
Some public LPN programs and lower-cost community college ADN programs may fit within this tuition budget.
Provides considerably more options for ADN programs and some lower-cost nursing pathways.
Four-year private or out-of-state BSN programs can easily reach this level before financial aid.
Nursing School Cost FAQ
Nursing school can cost from a few thousand dollars for an inexpensive LPN program to more than $200,000 for certain four-year university programs. Program type and school choice have a major effect on cost.
Associate Degree in Nursing tuition commonly falls around $6,000 to $20,000, although costs vary substantially between schools and states.
A BSN can range from roughly $40,000 at lower-cost public institutions to $200,000 or more at expensive private universities before financial aid.
It often is. Public community colleges generally have much lower tuition than private four-year colleges and can provide an affordable pathway to an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Students may need to budget for books, uniforms, equipment, health requirements, background checks, transportation, testing and licensing expenses.
For many students, attending an in-state public community college for an Associate Degree in Nursing is among the least expensive pathways to becoming eligible for RN licensure.
CostFigures publishes estimated price ranges to help readers plan and compare expenses. Nursing school costs vary considerably by program, institution, residency status, financial aid, transferred credits and required fees. Always review a school’s complete published cost of attendance before enrolling.