
The top 10 most affordable traditional nursing degree programs are campus-based nursing programs that have low tuition costs. If you turn to Google in search of the best nursing degree programs available, chances are you’re likely to find a link to the U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best nursing colleges and universities throughout the country. These rankings are quite popular because they take into account a variety of important factors, such as student engagement and student-to-faculty ratio.
However, these rankings often do not account for costs and affordability. With tuition rates rising across the country, affordability is one of the most important factors taken into consideration by today’s nursing students.
Affordable Traditional Nursing Degrees
In the end, you want to know the reputation of a school and how good it is, but you also need to know how much it costs to attend. For instance, the number one nursing program listed on the U.S. News and World Report’s 2012-2013 rankings is Ferris University. Although the school scores are quite high in student-to-faculty ratios and its level of student engagement, the cost of tuition per semester is a staggering $10,466. To put this figure into perspective, the second school on the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings, Lamar University, only charges nursing students $3,120 per semester, amounting to a massive difference of over $7,000.
Recognizing this disparity and sensing the need to balance out the rankings process, we’ve examined the top 20 ranked nursing programs according to the U.S. News and World Report and uncovered their tuition costs. Thanks to the beauty of Excel, we were able to determine which schools provide the ultimate mixture of quality instruction and cheap tuition costs, resulting in our top ten list of the most affordable traditional nursing degree programs.
1. Lamar University

Tuition – $3,120 per semester
Scoring a respectable 74.5 on the U.S. News and World Report rankings and taking the second spot, Lamar University’s extremely cheap tuition helped it ascend to the top position on the list, making it an ideal option for current or prospective nursing students. Lamar University’s Dishman Department of Nursing provides the right balance of affordability and quality instruction.
The department’s respected RN to BSN program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, preparing them for success in all of the practical nursing functions as well as teaching them how to solve critical problems and allowing them to continue their education through the pursuit of a post-graduate degree.
2. Stony Brook University

Tuition – $2,785 per semester
With a high U.S. News and World Report score and incredibly low tuition of only $2,785 per semester, Stony Brook University is one of the most affordable online colleges and should definitely be on the radar of every prospective nursing student. After spending the first two years satisfying their general education requirements, students with a minimum GPA of 2.8 are able to apply to Stony Brook’s coveted nursing degree program.
The basic program typically takes two years to complete. However, students that have already earned their bachelor’s degree and are simply striving to receive a baccalaureate toward their RN are able to apply for the school’s Accelerated Baccalaureate Program, which can be completed in only 12 months.
3. University of Nevada at Las Vegas

Tuition – $2,872 per semester
UNLV’s nursing program may not score as high as some other schools on the U.S. News and World Report rankings, but the school’s low tuition definitely helps students keep more money in their pocket.
Specifically designed for prospective or current nurses who cannot commit to their studies full-time, UNLV’s flexible nursing degree programs allow students to earn graduate and post-graduate degrees while working at the same time.
4. University of Michigan Flint

Tuition – $4,551 per semester
The University of Michigan-Flint may have a slightly higher tuition cost, which knocked it down to fourth on the list, but its quality score is undeniably impressive. The well-respected, regionally accredited nursing degree program offers an amazing lineup of both traditional and online classes. However, just because some classes are taken online doesn’t mean the school is lacking quality education. In fact, the Accelerated Nursing MSN program at the University of Michigan-Flint ranked third out of 100 schools surveyed by the U.S. News and World Report. Many students also appreciate that the program can be completed in as little as 16 months.
5. Northwestern Michigan College

Tuition – $84.60 per credit hour
There are numerous affordable online colleges that offer Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs, but Northwestern Michigan College is one of the best and most affordable. With a diverse array of clinical and lab courses to choose from and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, Northwestern Michigan College is a popular option for residents of the Midwest looking to spark their nursing careers.
Founded in 1951 and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwestern Michigan University has been offering its top-notch nursing program for years. Online students may pay $150 per credit hour, but in-district students can receive quality instruction for a mere $84.60 per credit hour.
6. Indiana State University

Tuition – $3,949 per semester
Indiana State University has a solid reputation, and it offers an equally solid nursing education. The school’s RN to BSN program is ideal for RNs looking to achieve a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It also offers a respected graduate program for those seeking to further their education, albeit at a higher price than some other schools on the list.
Indiana State University was originally founded in 1965, a century after the founding of the original Indiana State Normal School. The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1915, and it offers a myriad of traditional and distance learning programs, such as an RN to BSN program and an LPN to BSN program, allowing current nurses to further their nursing education. The school also offers numerous master’s programs as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, all of which are approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing. With a price tag of only $3,949 per semester, Indiana State University is an affordable option for anyone in search of quality nursing education.
7. East Carolina University

Tuition – $5,869 per semester
The price tag for a nursing degree from East Carolina University may be a little higher than other colleges and universities on the list, but the school’s high-quality score cannot be ignored. The heralded school offers a myriad of premier nursing programs, including the RN to BSN program, RN to MSN program, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and a variety of MSN programs with specialties in Nursing Leadership, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology, Neonatal, Midwifery, Nurse Education, Anesthesia, and Family Nurse Practitioner.
8. Clarkson College

Tuition – $6,555 per semester
Due to the fact that Clarkson College has one of the highest U.S. News and World Report quality scores on the list, it is not surprising that the tuition cost is noticeably higher. However, the college is still much more affordable than many other nursing programs across the nation. At Clarkson College, students have a wide range of nursing programs to choose from, such as the BSN program, LPN to BSN program, an RN to BSN program, each of which is specifically designed for those who want to pursue their bachelor’s degree but are already working in the nursing field. For those who have already earned their bachelor’s degree in nursing, an MSN program is also available. Furthermore, a post-master’s certificate program is also available.
9. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Tuition – $6,615 per semester
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers the perfect mix of quality instruction and affordability. Students of this respected school can choose from six different nursing degree programs, which are available for people in various stages of their nursing careers. Whether students have been in the nursing field for 15 years or have no experience at all, UMass-Amherst offers nursing programs for anyone, regardless of where they are at in their nursing career.
10. Censured by School
Finding an Affordable Traditional Nursing Program for You
The only person who knows what program is best for you – is you. There are many things to consider when attending college. First makes sure the Affordable Traditional Nursing Program is accredited. Then you need to consider the cost. Does the school offer financial aid? Will you live on campus or commute? Will the school help you find clinical placements? But, no matter which program you choose, Nursing School Hub is your source for nursing education and career information.
Related:
- 25 Most Affordable Online BSN Programs
- Can I Make More Money with an Online RN to BSN?
- Top 25 Associate Degree In Nursing Programs
- 25 Most Affordable Associate Degree in Nursing Programs
- 10 Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
FAQs
Where is it cheapest to study nursing? ›
Norway is the cheapest country to study nursing because higher education at public universities is tuition-free. Nursing students in Norway just need to pay a semester fee to cover registration and exams. Other countries with affordable nursing programs include Sweden, Russia, Hungary, and Australia.
What is the easiest nursing school to get into? ›- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN Purdue University Global. ...
- BS - Nursing RN to BSN Online at Arizona State University. ...
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing The Ohio State University. ...
- B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN) Western Governors University.
An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
Which country can I study nursing for free? ›At the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), you'll go through nursing school without having to pay for tuition fees.
Where can I study for free? ›- Norway. Free for who: Everyone (EU, EEA and the rest of the world) ...
- Denmark. Free for who: EU, EEA and Switzerland. ...
- Finland. Free for who: EU, EEA and Switzerland. ...
- Sweden. Free for who: EU, EEA and Switzerland. ...
- Poland. Free for who: EU, EEA and Switzerland. ...
- Czech Republic.
Licensed Vocational or Practical Nurse
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
Is 48 too old to become a nurse? ›Even if you have the disposition and drive to enter a new career in the nursing field, you might be asking yourself, “Am I too old to become a nurse?” The answer to this question is no. Nurses come from all walks of life and all age groups.
Why is RN school so hard? ›
The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
Can I fast track nursing degree? ›Accelerated or shortened courses are available in certain clinical professions such as nursing and the allied health professions. Typically, these courses allow graduates to undertake training in two years instead of three or four.
Can I study nursing for 6 months? ›SHORT COURSES (6 MONTH IN-SERVICE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES)
As an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse, you can develop your career by specialising in one or more post-basic fields of healthcare.
A registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA) offers a flexible route to becoming a nurse that doesn't require full-time study at university. You will need to secure a position as an RNDA and your employer will release you to study at university part time.
Which country is the easiest to become nurse? ›- New Zealand, 1st Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
- Australia, 2nd Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
- Denmark, 3rd Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
- United States of America, 4th Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
Top 10 Nursing Schools in 2019 Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 | ||
---|---|---|
1 | University of Pennsylvania | United States |
2 | King's College London (KCL) | United Kingdom |
3 | The University of Manchester | UK |
4 | Johns Hopkins University | US |
- The United Kingdom. Nursing degrees are the UK's most employable type of degree, according to Health Education England's Health Careers website. ...
- The USA. ...
- Australia. ...
- Norway. ...
- Russia.
- Find affordable online degree tuition fees. ...
- Choose only fully online programmes. ...
- Seek financial aid from the school. ...
- Look for merit-based scholarships. ...
- Consider a student loan.
UoPeople is the first free accredited online university. This school offers free online degree programs in Computer Science as well as Health Science. You can complete a 2-year associate's degree, 4-year Bachelor's degree, or an MBA, all online.
What is the cheapest place to study? ›...
List of 10 Cheapest Places to Study Abroad
- Norway.
- Taiwan.
- Germany.
- France.
- Mexico.
- India.
- Argentina.
- Poland.
Which nursing specialty is happiest? ›
- School Nurse. ...
- Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
- Case Management Nurse. ...
- Nurse Educator. ...
- Parish Nurse. ...
- Travel Nurse.
- Intensive Care Unit nurses (ICU) ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
- Emergency Department nurses. ...
- Neonatal ICU. ...
- OR nursing. ...
- Oncology Nursing. ...
- Psychiatric Nursing.
- New York;
- Louisiana;
- Hawaii;
- Alabama; and.
- Oklahoma.
On the other hand, there are some states that have really felt the sting of the nursing shortage. The state that has the fewest nurses per segment of the population is South Carolina. SC is estimated to have about 8 nurses per every 1,000 people, placing it at the top of the list.
Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›...
5 States that Take Longest to Get an RN License In
- Ohio (4-6 months) ...
- 2. California (3-6 months) ...
- Maryland (10 weeks) ...
- Maine (8-10 weeks) ...
- Alaska (8 weeks)
Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better!
What is the hardest BSN degree? ›“Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has been chosen as the TOUGHEST courses of all other courses including MBBS, BCOMM, Bca, IAS, IPS, and engineering by the Guinness book of world records on 18 May 2011. It has 64 university exams + 164 series exams + 174 assignments within 2 years (max 1000 working days).
What is the most important class in nursing school? ›Health Assessment and Promotion is one of the most important classes you take in nursing school. Having a firm grasp on the fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology will prove helpful as you navigate your way through Health Assessment and Promotion.
Can I skip NCLEX and take nursing school? ›Requirements for Taking the NCLEX
To become a practical or vocational nurse, nursing school or an undergraduate degree is not required. However, candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN, which they can take after earning a relevant certificate in LVN or LPN.
After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. Candidates have six attempts to pass in total. Louisiana nursing students can take the NCLEX exam up to four times within two years of graduating from nursing school.
Is nursing harder than CNA? ›
In some ways, being an RN is a lot harder than being a CNA. You have more decisions to make and more in the way of judgement calls. In some ways, though, being a CNA can feel harder. The job may be more physical.
How old is the average RN? ›Nursing careers make up the largest portion of America's healthcare professions. The median age of a registered nurse is 52 years old. 9.4% of the RN and 8.1% of the LPN/LVN workforce are men.
Is 70 too old to become a nurse? ›The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
How old are most new nurses? ›The average age of ADN nursing students at community colleges is 26-40 years old. BSN programs have an average age of early-mid 20s. Students in RN-to-BSN programs are typically in their late 30s.
What state has highest RN salary? ›California tops our list of the highest-paying states for RNs, with nurses receiving $124,000 per year on average. Following it is Hawaii, at $106,530, and Oregon at $98,6300. Washington, D.C., while not technically a state, also ranks among the top-paying U.S. regions with an average RN salary of $98,540.
Is RN school harder than LPN? ›To be honest I don't see RN school any harder than LPN school. RN school does go more in depth about certain concepts and medications. I actually went more in depth about some things in LPN school than RN school, for example the heart. Being a LPN has made RN school a little easier.
How do you survive financially during nursing school? ›- Set a Budget. As a nursing student, get comfortable with the funds you have, the funds you earn, and the amounts you owe. ...
- Learn Where to Save. When you have a budget, you'll know what you have and don't have. ...
- Pay Your Loans. ...
- Plan Your Next Steps.
What is the fastest and easiest degree to get? Often students focus on Business Administration, Psychology, or Education degrees for the fastest degrees; however, General Studies, English, and Communications may be considered some of the easiest, along with Psychology.
What is a Level 3 diploma in nursing? ›This is a fast-track intensive course, for mature students (19+) who are dedicated and committed to their progression to Higher Education. The course is designed to prepare you for study on a health-related bachelor's degree program like Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Children's Nursing or Midwifery.
What is a pre registration nursing degree? ›Course overview
The MSc Adult Nursing (Pre-registration) is an accelerated postgraduate course developed for those who have already graduated with an undergraduate degree. You'll gain the experience and skills required to practice as an adult nurse in two years, rather than the traditional three-year route.
What short courses can a nurse do? ›
- Short Course in Ophthalmic Nursing.
- Short Course on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.
- Short Course on Primary Clinical Care (PC) 101.
- Short Course on Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care of the Preterm Infant.
Short Learning Programmes:
Anesthesiology for all categories of nurses (4 weeks) Primary Health Care (6 weeks) HIV/AIDS and TB Management Certificate (8 weeks)
ANM nursing is another popular diploma in nursing programs. ANM nursing course lasts for 2 years. Students are required to do a 6-month internship in the last 6 months.
Do you get paid to train as a nurse? ›Do Student Nurses Get Paid to Train? If you're asking if you'll get paid to go through nursing school, the answer is no. You'll have to pay for your school tuition and fees to become a nurse.
How can a mature student become a nurse? ›Typically you'll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (possibly in English language or literature and a science subject), plus two A levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications for an undergraduate degree. Some universities may ask for three A levels or equivalent.
Can I train to be a nurse at 50? ›There is no upper age limit to start nurse training but you should discuss any concerns that you might have about your suitability for training with the universities offering courses.
Which country is the best place to study nursing? ›- Sweden.
- United States of America.
- Canada.
- New Zealand.
- Ireland.
- Netherlands.
- Norway.
- Russia.
...
- University of Manchester. ...
- Ulster University. ...
- University of Nottingham. ...
- Middlesex University London. ...
- University of Birmingham. ...
- Coventry University. ...
- Swansea University. ...
- Teesside University.
- The United Kingdom. Nursing degrees are the UK's most employable type of degree, according to Health Education England's Health Careers website. ...
- The USA. ...
- Australia. ...
- Norway. ...
- Russia.
- New Zealand, 1st Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
- Australia, 2nd Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
- Denmark, 3rd Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
- United States of America, 4th Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse.
Which country pays nurse most? ›
Dubai. The average pay for a Registered Nurse (RN) in Dubai is AED 83,399 per year (US$ 24,000 Approx). Most people with this job move on to other positions after 20 years in this field.
What is the best country to live in RN? ›...
Here are the 10 countries with the highest human development indexes:
- Norway - 0.957.
- Switzerland - 0.955.
- Ireland - 0.955.
- Hong Kong - 0.949.
- Iceland - 0.949.
- Germany - 0.947.
- Sweden - 0.945.
- Australia - 0.944.
- Atlanta, Georgia. ...
- Boston, Massachusetts. ...
- San Diego, California. ...
- Los Angeles, California. ...
- New York City, New York. ...
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ...
- San Antonio, Texas. ...
- El Paso, Texas.
# | Institution | Net Price per Year |
---|---|---|
1 | Indian River State College | $588 |
2 | South Texas College | $1,610 |
3 | Sitting Bull College | $3,060 |
4 | Palm Beach State College | $3,064 |
Rank | School Name | Net Price |
---|---|---|
1 | California State University–Dominquez Hills Carson, CA | $1,640 |
2 | University of Texas–Pan American Edinburg, TX | $2,500 |
3 | California State University–Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | $2,735 |
4 | CUNY Leman College Bronx, New York | $2,327 |
For a traditional four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, students can expect total tuition costs of at least $40,000. Tuition can reach up to $80,000, or even upwards of $100,000. BSN degrees typically comprise 120 credits, with colleges and universities charging per credit.
Which country has a shortage of nurses? ›Country | Number of nurses | Density per 1,000 population |
---|---|---|
Nigeria | 210,306 | 0.28 |
Philippines | 127,595 | 1.69 |
United Kingdom | 704,332 | 12.12 |
United States of America | 2,669,603 | 9.37 |
1. San Francisco, CA. As the highest paying city for nurses, San Francisco offers plenty of job opportunities and generous salaries to help offset the high cost of living.
What state is the easiest to become a nurse? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.