Whether you’re a registered nurse (RN) looking to advance into more skilled positions or a student ready to start your journey as a healthcare professional, an online Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) can help you develop the necessary skills for this fast-growing field.
Cost is one of the major considerations for students seeking a BSN, with many looking for the cheapest online nursing programs. To help students identify affordable and high-quality programs, Intelligent.com compiled this list of the most affordable online nursing programs. This article also provides an overview of the costs associated with an online BSN program and the various options students have for paying for their degree.
Cost Breakdown for Online Nursing Programs
Understanding the costs associated with an online nursing program can help students make informed decisions when choosing a program that fits their budget.
Tuition
The primary cost for any postsecondary degree program is tuition. For undergraduate programs, like a BSN, schools usually charge students a flat per-term tuition rate if they enroll full-time and a per-credit rate if they attend part-time. This may mean that part-time students pay less per term, but there are minimum credit requirements for bachelor’s degrees — all students will end up paying the same total tuition overall by the time they complete their program.
Fees
Students typically have to pay additional fees that are assessed by the school or are related to their specific area of study. For example, in order to participate in clinical experiences, nursing students must usually complete a criminal background check, which is a separate cost from tuition. Students in online programs may also have to pay a fee to their school for virtual classroom technology and tech support. Schools may assess fees on a one-time, per-year, or per-term basis. When considering schools, ask about fees so you can factor them into your budget.
Personal technology
Having reliable computer hardware, software, and internet access is essential for online students. If you’re attending remote classes, you may also need a microphone and webcam. Before starting your online nursing program, assess your technology and determine if you need to update your computer or internet service. Inquire with your school regarding whether they partner with stores or technology companies to offer students discounts on necessary tech equipment.
Books and other learning materials
Another cost students should account for is books — in a hard copy or digital format — and other required learning materials. The cost of books and learning materials may vary by term, but a representative from the nursing program should be able to provide students with an overall or per-term estimate. While these expenses may be minimal compared to tuition, budgeting for them can help students avoid unexpected costs during the academic year.
Clinical requirement costs
There may also be costs associated with the clinical rotation requirement all nursing students must complete as part of their degree program. These costs may include supplies like nursing scrubs and transportation costs like gas, parking, or public transit to get to their clinical site.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Nursing Program
Tuition rates vary widely by schools, based on the following factors.
Public vs. private institutions
One of the key factors that drive a school’s tuition rates is the school’s status as a public or private institution. Public colleges receive federal and state government funding to help them operate and therefore tend to have lower tuition than private schools, which rely on tuition as their primary source of revenue.
Student residency status
Because public universities receive state funding from taxes, residents of a state where a school is located get a discounted tuition rate. Most public colleges charge out-of-state students a higher tuition rate to help offset the subsidized tuition in-state students receive. However, with online programs, it’s becoming more common for schools to charge all students the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live. If you’re considering attending an online nursing program at a public college as an out-of-state student, inquire about whether you’re eligible for an in-state tuition rate.
Non-profit vs. for-profit
Non-profit colleges reinvest their revenue into the institution in the form of faculty and staff salaries, infrastructure, student resources, and more. For-profit colleges are designed to turn a profit for investors and shareholders and typically invest less revenue into their educational programs, which can impact the quality of education students receive. While for-profit colleges may charge lower tuition rates than non-profits, students should be aware of the difference in educational quality between the two types of schools before enrolling in a for-profit college. If you’re considering a for-profit college, research the institution and company that operates it to ensure you’ll get the proper training and a legitimate degree for your money.
Student military status
Most schools offer discounted tuition rates to veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses or children. Students who think they may be eligible for discounted tuition based on past or current military service should check with their school’s financial aid or military services office.
Most Affordable 50 Online Nursing Programs
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the most affordable online nursing programs in the U.S. All are offered at nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each degree program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
How to Pay for an Online Nursing Program
Students have various options when it comes to paying for an online BSN degree, with most using a combination of the following methods.
Out-of-pocket
When students and families use their own money to pay for tuition and other education-related expenses, it’s considered paying ‘out-of-pocket.’ It’s common for students to pay some tuition out-of-pocket while using loans, scholarships, and other funding sources to supplement these payments. If you or your family will be paying tuition out-of-pocket, inquire with the school’s financial aid office about payment plans, which spread tuition payments out over the course of the term instead of requiring you to pay in one lump sum.
Scholarships
Scholarships are known as gift aid, as the money students receive from them doesn’t have to be repaid. Students can receive scholarships from a variety of sources, including their institution, professional organizations, religious or community groups, private foundations, employers, and more. Some scholarships are awarded based on merit, such as academic or professional achievement. Others are granted based on financial need. To be considered for need-based scholarships, students typically must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although researching and applying for scholarships can be time-consuming, a few scholarships, even in small amounts, can help decrease the overall amount students must pay out of pocket or with loans.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants are gift aid that doesn’t have to be repaid, although they are primarily awarded based on need, not merit. Undergraduate students who demonstrate extraordinary financial need may be eligible for the Pell Grant through the Federal Student Aid program. Students should also find out what types of grants, if any, their school and state offer to online nursing degree students.
Work-study
Students are awarded Federal Work Study funding as part of their financial aid package based on their financial need. This program allows students to earn money to pay for school and living expenses by working part-time at their college. Students earn at least the federal minimum wage, although some positions pay more based on responsibilities and experience level. Interested online students should contact their school to determine if they have remote work-study opportunities.
Employer tuition assistance
Many employers offer tuition assistance benefits to employees who are working while earning a degree. The exact terms of these programs vary by employer, but typically, students are reimbursed for some or all of the cost of a course or program after they successfully complete it. Students who intend to work while completing an online nursing degree should check with the company’s HR department to determine if this benefit is available.
Federal student loans
The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program offers both subsidized and unsubsidized loans to undergraduate students. Congress sets the interest rates and repayment terms for federal student loans, which are generally more favorable than private education loans. To determine eligibility for federal student loans, students and their families (if students are dependents) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information about the FAFSA and student loans is included in the next section.
Private education loans
Because there are limits to how much students can borrow in federal student loans, some may need to borrow money from private lenders like Sallie Mae, SoFi, and Ascent. For private student loans, individual lenders set the interest rates and terms, which vary based on factors like current market rates and individual credit scores. Students who need to take out private education loans should keep an eye on interest rates throughout the year to lock in the most favorable terms possible.
Nursing Career Outlook
An online nursing degree can prepare students for entry- or intermediate-level roles as RNs and healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care in settings like hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, community health clinics, private practices, urgent care centers, and more. RNs often work in teams with doctors and other healthcare specialists to develop and administer treatment to patients.
Employment of RNs is expected to grow by 6% through 2032, with an average of 193,100 new job openings per year during that time. This growth is driven by an aging U.S. population that will need care in a variety of capacities, as well as high turnover in the healthcare industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The median annual salary for RNs is $86,070. Salaries for RNs depend on different factors, including the type of setting in which they work. For example, RNs who work for government agencies earn a median annual salary of $99,840, while those working in nursing homes and residential care facilities earn $79,280 per year.
While some students will end their educational journey with a BSN, others may go on to pursue further study at the graduate level, which can lead to advanced practice or leadership roles like nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or nursing administrator.
There are many specialization options available within the nursing field. Some of the most popular include:
- Nurse informatics
- Nurse educator
- Psychiatric/mental health nurse
- Midwife
- ER nurse
- Neonatal nurse
Scholarship Directory
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"A Helping Hand" Scholarship
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Applying for Financial Aid
For an in-depth overview of the FAFSA and financial aid application process, check out the Ultimate FAFSA Guide.
Student loan forgiveness and repayment
When borrowing money to pay for college, students should always expect to repay their loans in full and have a clear understanding of interest rates and repayment options before committing to any loans.
Although the Biden administration has made efforts to forgive student loan debt, there is currently no comprehensive action that would eliminate student loan debt for all current and future borrowers.
Currently, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) program forgives some student loan debt for individuals who work full-time for a qualifying employer, such as a government agency or non-profit organization. Nursing graduates who work for a qualifying employer may be eligible for this type of loan forgiveness.
As far as borrowing money for college wisely, Dana Marvin, an independent college counselor, offers the following guidance.
“Borrow only what you need and nothing more,” Marvin says. “For example, if you’re eligible to take out a $12,500 loan but only need $8,000, there’s no need to take out a loan for those extra funds. Every dollar you take out in a loan will be paid back and with interest.”
Marvin also encourages students to start repaying loans as soon as possible.
“You can begin paying off your loans as soon as the funds have been disbursed,” she says. “Even paying off a few hundred or thousand dollars before finishing school can make a huge difference to those loan amounts post-graduation.”
Finally, Marvin encourages students and families to be realistic about what they can afford in terms of out-of-pocket costs and loan amounts.
“If attending a certain pricy college is going to put a family into major debt and require potentially dangerous financial decisions, such as taking out a second mortgage on a home or withdrawing from a retirement account early, it may mean a hard conversation of choosing a different school,” she says.
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Nursing Program that’s Right for You
Choose your area of study
Establishing parameters for what you’re seeking in an online master’s in nursing degree program early on can make the search process easy and efficient.
First, determine how your current professional and educational background will influence the type of online master’s in nursing degree program you need. Options include an RN-to-MSN, a BSN-to-MSN, or an accelerated/direct-entry MSN degree program. Review licensure requirements for the state where you plan to practice to ensure you consider programs that meet eligibility criteria.
Reflect on whether you are interested in a specific type of environment or patient population. This reflection can guide you to programs that offer electives, specializations, and clinical experiences in your area of interest.
Also, consider your practical needs, such as whether you want to enroll in an asynchronous or synchronous program or plan to enroll full-time or part-time. If cost is an important factor, set a budget for how much you can pay out of pocket to get a sense of how much extra you’ll need from loans and scholarships to cover the program’s cost.
Research schools and programs
After setting some basic criteria for what you want in an online nursing master’s degree program, you can begin to research specific schools and programs.
A key piece of information you should confirm for each school is their accreditation status at the institutional and programmatic levels. You can verify institutional accreditation through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database. Institutional accreditation is important because it can affect eligibility for federal financial aid, nursing licensure, and future employment and educational opportunities. At the programmatic level, determine if the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure that it meets industry standards for nursing education.
Other important information students should gather includes:
- Method of course delivery (synchronous or asynchronous)
- Faculty bios and qualifications
- Curriculum, including core coursework, electives, and concentration options
- Clinical rotation requirements
- Available support services for online students, including tutoring, counseling, tech support, library resources, and networking opportunities
- Program costs, including fees
You can find this information on the school’s website or by contacting its admissions office or nursing department. Attending virtual open houses or information sessions allows you to speak to faculty and current students. You can also follow schools and programs on social media to get insight into day-to-day life in the program.
Review application and eligibility criteria
Confirm the program’s admissions requirements and procedures online or by speaking to an admissions counselor. As schools may have different requirements and deadlines, it can be helpful to use a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of this information.
A standard application for an online master’s in nursing degree program includes:
- Completed application and fees
- Official transcripts from previous schools attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores
Eligibility requirements will vary based on the type of degree program. For example, students applying to RN-to-MSN or BSN-to-MSN programs must have an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school and an active RN license. There may also be requirements for a minimum undergraduate GPA and professional experience.
Students applying to direct-entry MSN programs must have an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing. However, there may be prerequisite coursework students must complete before enrolling.
Applicants to nursing programs must also submit a criminal background check.