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There are several different nursing school paths that can be taken to become a registered
nurse (RN). In the past, most nursing programs were diploma programs, run independently
by hospitals, without the involvement of a college or university. At the other end of
the spectrum is nursing education at the university level, where a bachelor's degree is
awarded at completion. No matter what program is chosen, each will prepare the student
to work an entry-level job as an RN. Nursing school can be costly, so planning for
tuition and fees is important. Nursing school tuition varies based on several factors
including type of nursing program, whether the school is public or private and whether
the student is in-state or out-of-state.
Diploma programs were once the primary route to starting a nursing career, but their
numbers are now dwindling to less than 100 programs. In the past, diploma programs
were hospital-based and taught by physicians. Now, most diploma programs have some
kind of affiliation with a college or university so that credits may be awarded for
coursework. While credits may be awarded, graduates will be earning a diploma, not
a degree. These credits could be applied toward future education. Most diploma programs
are located in the east and midwest and are two to three years in length. Tuition varies
by school, but may range from $20,000 to $25,000 for the entire program.
Students wishing to become RNs can also choose to earn an associate's degree. Associate
degree programs are two years in length and can be found at community colleges across
the country. Tuition can vary based on where the student resides, because prices are
usually much higher for out-of-state students. Tuition for an associate degree nursing
program varies, but according to The College Board, the average yearly tuition for a
public two-year college is $2,690. The total tuition cost for the two years is $5,380.
Earning a bachelor's degree can be a perfect choice for someone who is interested in
pursuing leadership positions as an RN or plans on earning a graduate degree at a
later time. Bachelor degree programs are four years in length; include two years of
general study and prerequisite courses followed by two years of nursing study. Tuition
for a bachelor's degree varies depending on whether the student is in-state or out-of-state
and whether the school is public or private. According to The College Board, the average
yearly tuition for an in-state student at a public university is $8,240 versus tuition
for an out-of-state student which is $20,770. Yearly average tuition for a private
university is $28,500. The total for a four year degree is $32,960, $83,080 and $114,000
respectively.
Tuition costs can be a significant expense. Depending on the school chosen, a student
may spend over $100,000 to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. Financial aid can be
an important tool in helping students earn a nursing degree or diploma. Financial aid
can come from both private and public sources. Federal financial aid is available to
students after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The
FAFSA identifies students who are eligible for grants, loans and work-study programs.
There are also online databases that students can search for free to find privately
offered nursing scholarships such as www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com. The
majority of scholarships are for students who are in a program that awards an associate's
or bachelor's degree. It may be more difficult for a student in a diploma nursing program
to get a scholarship as no degree is awarded at completion of the program. Scholarships
may be based on financial hardship, academic performance or other demographics. Private
universities can often give students substantial scholarships due to alumni support and
private funding. For students who are already working, some employers offer tuition
assistance which may cover some or all of their tuition costs.
For those interested in military service, the Armed Forces provides several avenues
to help pay for school. They offer tuition assistance of up to $5400 per year to
members of the military. Those who have served at least 90 active duty days since
September 11, 2001 can take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill which covers 40% to 100%
of tuition fees at an in-state college or university. While it may not help with upfront
costs, graduates of a nursing program who are recruited into the military may be offered
loan forgiveness.
There are several different avenues a student can choose to become an RN. The most
cost-effective route may be attending a local community college and completing an
associate's degree. On the other hand, some students may feel it is important to attend
a private university, though tuition will be much higher. Regardless of the route, all
graduates of a nursing program sit for the same national exam, the NCLEX-RN. Passing this
exam allows the student to apply for licensure as an RN. RNs are paid wages according to
their licensure, so the route taken to earn the licensure will have little impact on salary
earned. With a national nursing shortage and many paths to choose from to become an RN,
there is no better time than now to get started!
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