How much is too much for nursing school?

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 30, 2014

Is it a BSN program at a highly respected university? .... or is it a little-respected program at a for-profit school (that is really a business trying to take your money in exchange for selling you the bare minimal qualifications to be licensed?)

Is it an ADN program? An LPN program? etc. What would you get for your $40,000? That's the question. Do local employers respect that program enough to regularly hire their new graduates?

For a BSN from a highly respected university, $40,000 is not excessive. However, you can get a an ADN from a good community college for a lot less -- so I wouldn't be paying $40K for an ADN.

So ... the bottom line is that you need to identify exactly what you are getting for the $40K and then ask whether what you will be getting is worth that much -- and if you can get something just as good for less elsewhere.

Also ... there is a general guideline that many experts use that says your total student loans should be less than you will be making in that first year or two out of school. So ... can you afford the $40K without borrowing an excessive amount? Will you be getting financial aid to reduce your cost and indebtedness? Don't forget to factor in the costs of books, supplies, and living expenses.

besaangel, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 10, 2014

Don't forget to factor in the costs of books, supplies, and living expenses.

And the cost of interest on top of your loans...

Read you other post and for an ADN that is waaaayyyyy too much

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 10, 2014

I'm looking into a school but it's 40k all together. Is that too expensive?

If it's unaffordable (as in you can't afford it), then it's definitely too expensive. If it's an ADN program you'd better be paying "out of state" tuition because that's generally too expensive for any public college program. If it's a private college, you'd best be sure that it's actually very well respected and received before you sign on that dotted line... Where I'm at, none of the pre-licensure ADN programs that are "for profit" have a stellar reputation. You'll likely pass and get a license... but their pass rates are typically right around 85%. The public programs all have pass rates >95%...