How much is nursing school?

Another way to look at the cost of nursing school is cost by credit. Most ADN nursing programs require 60 credits of coursework. In-state programs can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per credit, and out-of-state private tuition rates commonly fall in the neighborhood of $400 per credit.

There are also additional fees to keep in mind, such as lab fees and general fees, the cost of living in your area, and textbooks and other supplies. Here is a breakdown of the average costs for several different nursing school programs:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

ADN programs range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 per year in tuition, and the total degree cost can be anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000. Most ADN nursing programs require 60 credits of coursework. In-state programs can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per credit.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN nursing education costs at least $40,000, and tuition can reach as high as $80,000 or even over $100,000 in some cases. Private schools are going to be the most expensive, while public schools will offer lower tuition rates.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A master of science in nursing (MSN) program only lasts one to two years, but the price of tuition is not always going to be lower than that of a four-year bachelor's degree. The total cost for an MSN program varies, typically ranging from $35,000-$70,000. Some schools charge up to $100,000.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

DNP programs usually cost anywhere from $40,000-$70,000. However, prospective nursing students can also find degrees in this area that cost less than $30,000. A large portion of the total tuition costs also depends on each nursing student's educational background.

Students with a master's degree generally only need to finish 35-50 credits over the course of two to three years.