How Much Does Nursing School Cost at Community College?

This guide takes into account all of the variables that affect how much a nursing degree can cost.

Already stressful and expensive, nursing school can be difficult for students to afford. Tuition, living expenses, and other fees make nursing school expensive in terms of dollars. Your future, however, makes it worthwhile.

Registered nurses made a median annual salary of $77,600, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Even more lucrative salaries were reported by advanced practice nurses, who earned a median salary of $123,780. The cost of attending nursing school is influenced by a number of variables, including location and degree level.

The price of nursing school is covered in more detail here.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost at Community College?

The cost of nursing school at a community college varies depending on several factors, such as location, residency status, and program type. In general, community college nursing programs are significantly less expensive than four-year universities and private colleges.

Tuition and Fees

The most significant cost associated with the nursing school is tuition and fees. According to the College Board, the average annual tuition and fees for in-district students at a public two-year college for the 2021-2022 academic year were $3,770.

However, this cost can vary widely depending on the state and the specific community college. Out-of-state students typically pay higher tuition rates, and some community colleges charge additional fees for things like technology, lab supplies, and textbooks.

Related: How Much Money Do You Need For College?

Financial Aid

Many community college nursing students are eligible for financial aid, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. To apply for financial aid, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online.

Additional Costs

In addition to tuition and fees, nursing students may need to pay for uniforms, equipment, and clinical supplies. These costs can vary widely depending on the program and the school. Some community colleges include the cost of uniforms and equipment in the tuition, while others require students to purchase them separately.

Transportation and Housing

Transportation and housing are additional costs to consider when attending community college. Commuting can be expensive, especially if students need to travel long distances or use public transportation. Some community colleges offer on-campus housing, but this can be costly and may not be available at all schools.

Nursing School Cost by Degree

The costs associated with various types of nursing degrees are listed below, taking into account these distinctions and the fact that prices can vary significantly. However, you should always inquire about costs at your local school and at your own prospective institution.

Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Cost

After receiving your ADN, you’ll be able to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) and hold an Associate’s degree. The cost of an ADN program can still vary greatly, but it is generally thought of as the more affordable and even quicker path to becoming a nurse than a Bachelor’s program.

Depending on the prerequisites you need, whether there is a waitlist, and whether you will be attending full- or part-time, an ADN program may take as little as 18 months in some programs or as long as several years in others.

Those factors will determine the final cost, but you can expect to pay anywhere from around $10,000 to closer to $40,000.

Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN)

Depending on the institution, an ASN can cost between $2,500 and $15,000 per year to complete and typically takes two to four years. ASN degree programs at some private universities, however, cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)

Consider getting an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) if the current cost of the tuition for these degrees sounds prohibitive. You can work while continuing your education thanks to this, which will help you enter the field more quickly.

Usually, community colleges or technical schools offer this kind of nursing degree. It could take two years to finish and cost between $4,500 and $18,000.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Cost

Earning your Bachelor’s will give you a lot of flexibility in your career and the opportunity to advance further in the nursing field if you so choose, increasing your earning potential. A BSN degree is increasingly becoming the norm for RNs.

The price of a BSN degree can differ greatly, just like an ADN. For instance, some people choose to enroll directly in a BSN program, while others may choose to go the RN-BSN route, and still, others may enter the program with a Bachelor’s degree in a different discipline.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BDN)

The Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BDN), one of the most widely used degrees for registered nurses, can cost as little as $7,500 to $10,000 per year at public universities.

Bachelor’s Degree in Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Doctorates in nursing practice (DNP) can be obtained by nurses either in addition to or instead of MSNs. Those who enroll in a BSN-to-DNP program can expect to spend more time and money on their doctorate than those who have an MSN already.

A DNP will cost between $20,000 and $40,000 for nurses with an MSN and between $40,000 and $75,000 for those with a BSN. In contrast to other degree programs, if a student enrolls with an MSN already, the costs for public and private schools are comparable.

For post-MSN students, tuition for DNP programs costs $29,800, $47,220, and $62,370, respectively, at public universities like the University of Cincinnati, Seton Hall University, and the University of Arizona.

Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Cost

Again, there are a variety of expenses associated with getting your Master’s in Nursing. An Advanced Practice Registered Nursing degree like a CRNA or a CNM, for example, might differ from an MSN in Nursing Education.

On average, the most recently available statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics show that the average cost for a graduate degree is around $48K for a public institution and over $108K at a private, non-profit school, with room and board not included.

How to Pay for Nursing School?

If you are able to pay for nursing school without the aid of loans or other financial assistance, consider yourself lucky.

But if you’re looking for a way to pay for your nursing degree, you do have options. Additionally, you can perform volunteer work in the industry to gain experience and training.

Here’s how each form of financial aid can work for you:

• Loans: For those prepared to assume the debt, loans are offered in both the private and public sectors. Pay close attention to the loan terms, especially the interest rates.
• Federal Student Aid: Aid is available for both public and private schools from the U.S. Department of Education and other organizations. The most popular service used is FAFSA. When deciding whether to offer you any scholarships or grants to help with the cost of your education, universities, and colleges use the FAFSA.
• Grants and Scholarships: Others are given based on other criteria, such as ethnicity (Minority Nurse Scholarship) or location (Scholars for Healthy Oregon), but many organizations only exist to give out scholarships based on academic merit.
• Work-study jobs: You have the option of working full- or part-time on-campus or off during work-study programs. You can get paid, but you can also pick up useful work experience.

Conclusion: How Much Does Nursing School Cost at Community College? 

Overall, the cost of nursing school at a community college is significantly less than at four-year universities or private colleges. However, the cost can still be substantial, especially when factoring in additional expenses like uniforms, equipment, and transportation.

It is essential to research the cost of nursing programs at different community colleges and explore financial aid options to determine the most affordable option.

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