How Much Is Nursing School? Discover the Current Nursing School Cost, from Program Tuition to Learning Expenses

Registered nurses are among the fastest-growing professions in the US. The career also offers many benefits, including strong salaries, a stable career ladder, and personally rewarding work dedicated to improving the lives of patients and communities alike. 

If you are considering becoming a nurse, one of the first key questions you should consider is: How much is nursing school? There is no clear-cut answer to the full cost of nursing school, as it depends on various factors, including the degree you are pursuing, the program you choose, where you want to study, and whether there are additional costs beyond tuition.

This guide explores average nursing school costs, from tuition for different degrees (including ADN, BSN, and MSN) to the additional expenses of earning a degree. If you want to be fully informed about how much nursing school costs, read on to find out. 

How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

No single national nursing-school price exists. The latest comparable NCES figures show average tuition and required fees of $3,670 at public two-year institutions, $9,872 at public four-year institutions, and $39,408 at private nonprofit four-year institutions in 2023-24. These are institution-wide undergraduate benchmarks, not prices for ADN, BSN, or other nursing programs specifically. Actual nursing school cost depends on your pathway, school, transfer credits, program fees, clinical requirements, living arrangement, and financial aid.

That distinction matters when you are asking how much nursing school costs or how much it costs to become a nurse. Tuition is only one part of the answer. A realistic budget should also account for books and course materials, uniforms and equipment, transportation to experiential learning sites, housing and food, testing and licensure costs, and other personal expenses.

Nursing School Cost in 2026 at a Glance

• No single official national average cost of nursing school exists. Costs differ by institution type, degree level, living arrangement, and the specific nursing program.
• Public two-year institutions remain an important benchmark for students researching community-college nursing pathways: average tuition and required fees were $3,670 in 2023-24.
• For 2026-27, Nightingale tuition is $495 per credit for PN, $825 for LPN-to-ASN, $655 for BSN and RN-to-BSN, $460 for MSN Education, and $550 for MSN FNP and MSN PMHNP.
• For eligible undergraduate students, the maximum Federal Pell Grant is $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year.
• The U.S. NCLEX registration fee is $200 through January 31, 2027, and rises to $350 for registrations completed on or after February 1, 2027. State licensure fees are separate.

If you want to enroll in one of the academic programs at Nightingale College, you should get an estimate that accounts for your current situation or consult the 2025-2026 Cost of Attendance sheets for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Before Comparing Nursing School Costs, Know What Each Number Means

Since there is no singular, straightforward answer, the first step in understanding nursing school cost estimates involves understanding what each number and figure means. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the differences between tuition fees, costs of attendance, and net price.

Tuition and Required Fees

Tuition is the amount charged for instruction, usually per credit or per term. Required institutional or program fees may be added to tuition. For nursing students, these fees can include learning resources, testing, laboratory or course kits, and other program-specific charges.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Cost of Attendance is broader than tuition. It is a financial-aid budget that can include tuition and fees plus estimated housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and certain loan-related costs. COA is not necessarily the amount you will pay directly to the school.

Net Price

Net price generally reflects the cost of attendance after grants and scholarships for the measured student population. Loans are not discounts: borrowing can help finance education, but you must repay loan funds. When comparing schools, distinguish published tuition, full COA, and your own estimated net cost after grants or scholarships.

Latest National Postsecondary Tuition Benchmarks

The NCES table below is useful context for the cost of nursing school, but it should not be read as an ADN- or BSN-specific price list. It reports average tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduate students at degree-granting institutions.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost at Community College?

If you are searching for how much nursing school costs at community college, the best national benchmark is public two-year college pricing - with an important caveat. NCES reports average tuition and required fees of $3,670 for public two-year institutions in 2023-24. This is a college-wide figure, not the price of an ADN nursing program.

For first-time, full-time students, NCES also reported an average 2023-24 total cost of attendance of about $10,776 for public two-year students living with family and $22,967 for those living off campus away from family. Nursing students may face additional program-specific expenses for clinical requirements, laboratory resources, uniforms, equipment, background checks, immunizations, and travel. Always check the nursing department's own fee schedule instead of relying on a school-wide tuition average.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost by Degree or Pathway?

The nursing path you choose changes both the direct school charges and the amount of time you may need to budget for living expenses. The figures below use national data only where the source supports a national benchmark and use current Nightingale College figures for Nightingale-specific examples.

If you want to enroll in one of the academic programs at Nightingale College, you can consult the 2026-2027 Cost of Attendance for Undergraduate Programs and Graduate Programs found in the Tuition & Aid hub. 

Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma Cost

If you're looking to start your nursing journey quickly and affordably, a Practical Nursing Diploma (PN) may be the ideal entry point. These programs typically take about 12 to 16 months to complete and cost significantly less than full nursing degrees. Average tuition for a PN diploma is around $4,000 to $15,000 at public institutions, while private schools may charge $25,000 to $50,000 or more. Total expenses vary by school reputation, location, and program format (online vs. in-person), as well as whether you qualify for any tuition discounts or aid.

At Nightingale College, current PN tuition is $495 per credit per semester, and the College Catalog lists an estimated total program cost of $24,590 for a learner who does not transfer in college-level general education credits. The 2026-27 nine-month COA is $32,128 when living with a parent or $42,782 when living off campus. The COA includes estimated living and other educational expenses and should not be treated as a bill from the College.

You can get a more customized estimate here.

If you want to enter practical nursing and build a foundation for future nursing education, explore Nightingale College's PN Diploma Program and request a personalized financial estimate.

LPN-to-ASN Track Program Cost

For licensed practical nurses (LPNs) looking to take the next step, the LPN-to-ASN Track offers a bridge to becoming a Registered Nurse. These programs generally take 12 to 18 months to complete and cost between $15,000 and $50,000 at public institutions. In private schools, the path may cost $60,000 or more. Costs depend on factors like program length, delivery format, and school type.

Nightingale College's current LPN-to-ASN tuition is $825 per semester credit. The current catalog lists an estimated total program cost of $51,500 for a learner who transfers no college-level general education credits and does not test out of the specified ASN courses. The 2026-27 nine-month COA is $40,928 living with a parent or $51,582 living off campus.

Already an LPN? Review the LPN-to-ASN Program and use Nightingale's estimator to see how transfer credit and your living situation may affect your budget.

Get an estimate and learn more about the program at Nightingale College.

Associate Degree in Nursing Program Cost

The NCES data used as reference has no single nationally representative ADN price. For context, public two-year institutions averaged $3,670 in tuition and required fees in 2023-24.

An ADN applicant should then review the specific nursing program's credit requirements, clinical and laboratory fees, books and supplies, and total cost of attendance. Public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit programs can have very different pricing structures.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Cost

With the BSN becoming increasingly the gold standard of nursing education, the average cost of a bachelor’s degree in nursing is very high on the priority list for many aspiring nurses. Traditional BSN programs cost $40,000 to over $200,000 for all four years, according to CostHelper. The wide range of costs can again be explained by the school's reputation, location, status (private or public), and more. If you factor in other expenses, such as transportation or boarding, full-time BSN programs can cost as much as $250,000 or more. 

At Nightingale College, BSN tuition is $655 per credit per semester. The current College Catalog lists an estimated total program cost of $89,100 for a learner who transfers no college-level credits, before any applicable Learner Graduation Fund credit. Nightingale's 2026-27 nine-month COA is $37,368 for a learner living with a parent and $48,022 for a learner living off campus.

Learn more about the Nightingale College BSN Program and get an individualized financial estimate before making an enrollment decision.

RN-to-BSN Fast-Track Program Cost

If you’re already working as a Registered Nurse based on your ADN degree and have decided it’s time to advance your education, then an RN-to-BSN is one path you may be interested in. These programs take one or two years to complete and offer a great alternative for RNs who want to advance their careers. RN-to-BSN programs can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 if you opt for an online program, or $32,000 to $100,000 or more if you choose an on-campus option.

Read more about the costs associated with RN-to-BSN programs.

Master of Science in Nursing

Pursuing an MSN degree will help you advance in your career, but a corresponding price is involved. Graduate nursing costs also may vary by specialization, credit load, and clinical requirements. MSN programs take 12 to 24 months to complete, and the MSN costs range from $35,000 to $70,000. MSN tuition can also be as high as $100,000. Like other degrees, in-state tuition at public universities is generally much cheaper than out-of-state and/or private schools. 

At Nightingale College, we offer learners who want to advance their education efficiently the opportunity to enroll in one of two MSN programs with different focuses.

Nightingale College currently offers two MSN pathways. The College publishes both estimated total program cost and a separate 2026-27 nine-month COA budget, which includes living and other educational expenses.

Get an estimate for your desired program or learn more about Nightingale College's academic programs.

Nightingale College 2026-2027 Cost Snapshot

Below, you can see a comprehensive snapshot of the costs related to attending an academic program at Nightingale College:

Does Online Nursing School Cost Less Than On-Campus Nursing School?

One factor that affects nursing school costs is the format of the program: an on-campus program offered by a traditional, brick-and-mortar institution or an online program. Online vs. on-campus nursing school prices vary considerably. 

Online or blended learning can reduce commuting, relocation, or campus-housing expenses for some students, but it does not automatically make a nursing program cheaper. However, tuition policies differ by school, and nursing education still includes hands-on or experiential requirements that may involve travel.

So, you should always compare the specific tuition, fees, clinical or experiential-learning travel, and full cost of attendance for your circumstances instead of assuming one delivery format is always less expensive.

Other Costs to Include in Your Nursing School Budget

Going to nursing school will involve other costs that do not directly go into calculating tuition fees or costs of attending. Below are the most important expenses you should consider:

• Books, Course Materials, and Learning Resources: Some schools include books or learning-resource packages in required fees, while others expect students to purchase materials separately. Confirm what is included before comparing program prices.
• Uniforms and Equipment: Scrubs, appropriate footwear, a stethoscope, and other required supplies can add to your direct expenses. Requirements vary by program and experiential-learning site.
• Clinical or Experiential-Learning Transportation: Even when didactic coursework is online, nursing learners may need to travel to supervised learning sites. Budget for fuel, public transit, parking, lodging when applicable, and time away from work.
• Background Checks, Immunizations, and Compliance Costs:  Nursing programs and clinical partners may require background checks, drug screening, immunization documentation, CPR certification, or other compliance steps. Ask which costs are included in program fees and which are paid separately.
• Childcare and Personal Expenses: If you have caregiving responsibilities, include childcare or other dependent-care costs during class, study, testing, and clinical or experiential-learning hours.
• Exams and Licensure Fees: For candidates seeking U.S. licensure, the NCLEX registration fee is currently $200. NCSBN has announced that registrations completed on or after February 1, 2027 will cost $350. The registration date determines the fee. State licensure, fingerprinting, background check, and other regulatory fees vary by jurisdiction and are separate.

Learn more about nursing school requirements and prerequisites.

How to Estimate Your Actual Nursing School Cost

For a practical estimate that applies directly to your situation, you can use the following formula:

Estimated net cost before loans = published tuition + mandatory program fees + books/supplies + clinical travel/compliance costs + living expenses - grants and scholarships

Once you compute the estimate, compare the estimate with the school's official COA and financial-aid offer. Treat loans as financing rather than a reduction in price, and recalculate if your credit load, housing situation, transfer credits, or program length changes.

How to Pay for Nursing School

Nursing school can be heavy on the wallet. But there are ways to make the burden less cumbersome. Let’s explore some resources available to aspiring registered nurses to pay for school costs. 

Scholarships and Grants

Grants and scholarships generally do not need to be repaid when their requirements are met. For the 2026-27 award year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant is $7,395 for eligible undergraduate students. Complete the FAFSA to learn what federal aid you may qualify for, and review institutional scholarship opportunities as well.

Nightingale College maintains current information about scholarships and tuition aid and provides learner funding support to help prospective students review their options.

Explore the scholarship opportunities, learner experience, and academic programs at Nightingale College!

Read our insider tips on getting started with financial aid and the mistakes to avoid when completing your application for financial assistance.  

Employer Tuition Assistance

If you already work in healthcare, ask your employer whether it offers tuition reimbursement, education benefits, or support tied to continued employment. The amount and eligibility rules differ by employer, so confirm the terms before counting the benefit in your budget.

Student Loans

Federal and private loans can help cover eligible education expenses, but you must repay them with interest. Before borrowing, compare the amount you would need, interest rates, repayment options, and expected monthly payments. Federal student aid rules can change, so use StudentAid.gov and your school's financial aid office for current guidance.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an RN?

If your question is how much it costs to become an RN, you should divide the expenses into layers: the nursing program itself, school and program fees, living expenses while enrolled, and licensure costs after graduation. RNs commonly enter through an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, or an approved diploma pathway, and total costs can vary substantially by school and personal circumstances.

The career side of the calculation should also use current evidence rather than guarantees. BLS reports that the median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025 and projects 6% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 RN openings per year on average over the decade. Those are national statistics and do not guarantee an individual graduate's earnings or employment.

Find out more about the current nurse salaries in the US.

Are You Ready to Start Your Nursing School Journey?

Going to nursing school can be pricey; there’s no denying that. But for aspiring nurses, the benefits outweigh the costs. At the end of nursing school, not only do they end up with an extremely meaningful career, but also one that’s recession-proof, pays well, and has a great job outlook. 

As far as nursing school costs go, make sure you research thoroughly the programs you’re interested in. This way you’ll discover all the subtleties of financing your education – from tuition to the hidden costs of becoming a nurse. 

Nightingale College publishes current tuition rates, program-cost estimates, and 2026-2027 Cost of Attendance information so prospective learners can compare the numbers that matter. Explore Nightingale College's nursing programs and request a personalized estimate to build a budget around your chosen pathway and circumstances.

Explore the academic programs at Nightingale College and start your nursing journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nursing School Cost

• What is the average cost of nursing school?

  No single official national nursing-school average applies across PN, ADN, BSN, bridge, and graduate nursing programs. NCES provides strong national postsecondary benchmarks by institution type, while the most useful nursing-specific estimate comes from the program's own tuition, fees, required credits, and cost-of-attendance disclosures.

• How much does nursing school cost at community college?

  As a national benchmark, public two-year institutions averaged $3,670 in tuition and required fees in 2023-24. That is not an ADN-specific price, so prospective nursing students should add program fees, supplies, clinical costs, and living expenses.

• Is online nursing school cheaper?
  Online or blended study may reduce commuting or relocation costs for some learners, but tuition and fees vary and nursing programs still require hands-on or experiential components. Compare full costs rather than delivery format alone.
• Does Cost of Attendance mean what I will pay the college?
  No. COA is a broader financial-aid budget that includes both direct school charges and estimated indirect expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and personal costs. Your actual expenses may be lower or higher.
• How much does nursing school cost based on location?
  Public schools often have two tuition rates: in-state tuition for students living in that state and out-of-state tuition for students from a different state. The tuition rates for non-resident students are typically much higher. It’s not abnormal for the average cost of a public college nursing degree to be twice as high for out-of-state students. Some states offer discounts to students who move from a different state. Not all schools do, so check with your university first. Other institutions will offer special scholarships or financial aid opportunities for out-of-state students. Again, check with the college about costs for non-resident learners. 
• How much is the NCLEX?
  For U.S. licensure, the NCLEX registration fee is $200 for registrations completed before February 1, 2027. Registrations completed on or after that date will cost $350. State licensure fees are separate.

External Sources

• NCES Digest Table 330.10 - Average undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board rates; 2023-24 data
• NCES Digest Table 330.40 - Average total cost of attendance; 2023-24 data
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Registered Nurses; May 2025 wage data and 2025-35 outlook
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Federal Student Aid - Federal Pell Grants; 2026-27 maximum award
• NCLEX Fees & Payment - current U.S. registration fee
• NCSBN - NCLEX Fee Changes effective February 1, 2027