Average Tuition and Fees of a BSN Program

Given the excellent compensation that registered nurses (RNs) enjoy, training to become an RN is a worthwhile investment for many. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an RN and want access to the best jobs and most competitive pay, you're going to want to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN. While it takes longer and costs more to earn a BSN versus an associate degree in nursing, or ADN, the payoff is considerable. Learn more about the costs that are associated with earning a BSN by reading on below.

Is Earning a BSN Worth It?

Regardless of where you attend nursing school, you'll be investing a lot of money to earn your degree. If it's cheaper to earn an ADN, why bother earning a BSN? Right off the bat, you will be eligible for more competitive pay and benefits. You will also have a much easier time landing in-demand positions at a variety of healthcare facilities. Finally, with a BSN in hand, you will be able to advance in your education and career more easily if and when you decide to do so.

What is the Average Cost to Earn a Traditional BSN?

If you have no previous training or education in nursing, your best option is to enroll in a traditional four-year BSN program at a college or university. There are no hard and fast rules regarding tuition rates at nursing schools across the country. They vary based on a wide array of factors. Consider this: The average cost to complete a four-year BSN program in the U.S. ranges from $40,000 to more than $200,000. The disparity there reflects the huge variety of available options.

In-State versus Out-of-State Tuition Rates: How Do They Vary?

A major factor affecting the cost of attending a traditional four-year BSN program is whether the school is located in your state of residence or not. In-state tuition costs dramatically less than out-of-state tuition in most cases. For example, the average cost per credit hour for in-state tuition to a nursing program at a community college is $72 to $82. Meanwhile, the average cost per credit hour for out-of-state tuition is between $154 and $216. On a per-semester basis, in-state tuition costs an average of $864 to $1,019 while out-of-state tuition costs an average of $2,627 to $3,168.

Do Costs Vary Between Private and Public BSN Programs?

Another thing that drastically impacts the average cost of any given BSN program is whether it is offered by a public college or university or by a private one. As you are probably already aware, private colleges and universities tend to have much higher tuition rates than public colleges and universities. However, nursing students are often eligible for grants and other aid that make private school a lot more affordable. If your main concern is finding something that won't put you in serious debt, a BSN program at a public college or university would probably be the best option.

Is it Cheaper to Get an Accelerated BSN?

If you already have a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, you may be able to earn your BSN faster and for less by completing an accelerated BSN program. Many times, you can qualify for this option regardless of what your first degree is for. In other words, your first degree does not have to relate to healthcare or nursing. These programs typically take 11 to 18 months to complete. The average cost ranges from $18,000 to more than $40,000. As with other programs, costs vary depending on in-state versus out-of-state, public versus private, and many other factors.

How Much Does It Cost to Complete an ADN-to-BSN Program?

If you’ve already earned an ADN, you may be able to reduce costs by completing what is known as a bridge program. In this case, it's usually called either an ADN-to-BSN bridge program or an RN-to-BSN bridge program. Either way, your previous education and experience are taken into consideration, allowing you to earn your degree faster. The average cost to earn a BSN this way ranges from around $8,000 to more than $55,000, so it is a worthwhile option to consider.

Are There Any Additional Costs?

Many of the figures that are quoted above are for the complete cost to earn a BSN. Therefore, they include things like books and other supplies. In addition to paying for tuition, you can expect to be faced with many additional miscellaneous costs and fees. These may include fees and costs for:

• A physical exam and TB test
• A criminal background check
• Any vaccinations that you require
• Admissions testing
• Uniform
• Technology fee and registration or application fee

Is Financial Aid Available for BSN Students?

Happily, plenty of financial aid is available for those who want to earn their bachelor of science in nursing degrees. Since these programs are most commonly offered by colleges and universities, the best thing is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, once you know which school you will be attending. You will then find out if you qualify for any scholarships, grants, loans, or other types of aid. Many schools allow you to participate in federal work-study programs to help offset the costs of attending school too. It's also worth it to look into any local nursing-related scholarships that may help to make school more affordable still.

Earning a BSN isn't cheap for most people. It typically requires a fairly significant financial investment. However, you will come away with a degree that ensures excellent job security, competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and many other perks, so you are sure to agree that the cost of earning a BSN is well worth it.