How Much Does Nursing School Cost? (2026 Insights)

A nursing career can be a rewarding choice if you’re passionate about helping people. Employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 5% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some roles are expanding much faster, with demand for advanced practice registered nurses projected to grow 35%.

Nursing school costs vary widely based on the program you choose. Public and private schools, degree level, and location can all affect your total price. At the same time, many states now offer tuition assistance programs to help increase enrollment and address ongoing nurse shortages.

Current private student loan rates

How much does nursing school cost?

The cost of nursing school depends on the degree you pursue and where you enroll.

What affects the cost of nursing school?

School choice is one of the biggest factors in what you’ll pay for a nursing degree. “For example, are you looking at a selective private school or an in-state traditional public university?” says Michelle Smoley, director of college and personal finance at Bright Horizons College Coach.

For many students, a two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the most affordable path. 

“What I think many students don’t realize is that a two-year degree at the local community college allows you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam just the same as a BSN does,” says Brett Murphy Hunt, founder of Brett E. Murphy Tutoring and Consulting, Inc., which provides nursing school advising. “The BSN can come later.”

Some states offer grants or scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers, which can make it more affordable to attend school in-state.

Accelerated programs, often designed for students who already hold a degree or are advancing their credentials, may cost more “because you are consolidating a higher number of credits into a shorter time span,” says Murphy Hunt.

What extra nursing school costs should you expect?

Nursing school comes with additional costs that many other academic programs don’t include:

• Nursing exam fees and review courses: The NCLEX-RN exam costs about $200 on top of other subsequent licensing fees. “Collectively, these two items can be several hundred dollars in total, not including prep courses or tutoring,” says Murphy Hunt. Review courses can range from one hundred to several hundred dollars.
• Equipment and supplies: Your nursing program will expect you to pay for your individual equipment, such as a stethoscope, scissors, and a laptop. Stethoscopes can run $250, Smoley says.
• Lab fees: Programs may charge extra lab fees on top of tuition for a nursing degree. 
• Textbooks: Your classes will often require specialized textbooks, and these can add up.
• Scrubs: Nursing students generally are required to purchase their own scrubs for their clinicals, and the uniform may need to be specific to your program.
• Clinical rotation costs: The extra costs for your clinical rotations at a hospital may include travel and parking fees.

How can you pay for nursing school?

Nursing students can use the same financial aid options as other college students, including federal aid, scholarships, and grants. Start by choosing a program that fits your budget.

That could mean starting at a community college for your associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). 

“These programs are typically the most cost effective,” says Smoley. This is a common pathway for older students transitioning to a nursing career. Or you could pursue a four-year direct-admit BSN at a school that offers you financial aid or scholarships. 

“Think about your preferred learning style, whether that’s online, hybrid, or in person,” advises Smoley.

If you plan to work while earning your degree, check whether your employer offers tuition assistance or student loan repayment benefits. These programs can help reduce your total borrowing.

“It’s up to individuals and their preferences and resources,” says Smoley. “But does it make sense to get a BSN for $250,000 at a private school or would it be better to do a two-year program at a community college and borrow very little?”

When exploring programs, make sure the program is accredited, not-for-profit, and demonstrates an NCLEX pass rate of 85% or more. “This will help you ensure you’re staying away from predatory programs,” advises Murphy Hunt.

Financial aid for nursing students

Nursing students have access to the same financial aid resources as other students, as well as some specialized sources specific to nursing. Here are some important sources to explore:

• Federal financial aid: Fill out the FAFSA as a starting point to see what aid you may qualify for. For undergraduates, federal aid includes the Pell Grant, work-study, and federal student loans. Graduate students can apply for federal unsubsidized loans.
• Scholarships and grants: The best scholarships and grants often come from schools themselves, so applying to a college where your grades and test scores stand out is key. Private colleges offered an average tuition discount of about 56% in 2024-25, according to the National Association of College and University Business Offices (NACUBO). Your state may also offer grants or scholarships for resident students pursuing healthcare degrees.
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement to help you cover the cost of your degree. If you’re pursuing an additional nursing degree while employed as a nurse, you can check to see if your employer offers assistance. 
• Private student loans: In addition to federal loans, nursing students can apply for private student loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Private student loans are credit-based, so you’ll typically need a strong credit history or a creditworthy cosigner to qualify for the best interest rates.

Forgiveness programs for nurses

Several loan repayment and forgiveness programs for nurses can help reduce your student debt: 

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): This federal program is available if you work for a government or not-for-profit employer. Qualifying nurses may have their remaining federal loan balance forgiven after 10 years of eligible payments.
• HRSA’s Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: If you work in a designated Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) or at an accredited school of nursing, you may qualify for repayment assistance covering up to 85% of your unpaid nursing education debt.
• NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Nurse practitioners in eligible fields and certified nurse midwives who work full-time for two years at an approved site in a health professional shortage area may qualify for up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance.

Tips for managing nursing school costs

• Apply for scholarships: Most scholarship dollars come from colleges themselves, so include both public and private schools in your search. You can also look for outside nursing scholarships from industry and community organizations.
• Start at community college: Your local community college may offer an ADN program that costs less than a four-year school. “Students should know the community college pathway can set you up to be an RN,” says Murphy Hunt. Your ADN degree may allow you to complete a BSN in less time at a partner university.
• Look for employer assistance: If you’re already working in healthcare, check whether your employer offers tuition assistance or loan repayment benefits. These programs can reduce your student debt. 
• Work part-time: If your schedule allows, working during school can help offset expenses and build relevant experience. You may qualify for the federal work-study program, an on-campus job, or part-time work in a healthcare setting.  

“Nursing is extremely flexible, stackable, and tiered,” says Murphy Hunt. “That means you can work your way all the way up or remain an RN for the entirety of your career.”