Is it still worth it becoming an APRN in 2024?

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jul 15

I graduated from my NP Program in 2003. I attended a regionally respected state university with an affordable tuition and even got a HRSA grant along the way that cut the cost of my education by half. I had no student loans. These days, tuition cost has risen even in state universities and grants are not as liberal and easily available as they were. It does seem like the ROI is not as attractive. I will say that strategy will play a bigger role in one's decision to pursue NP. I work at a university hospital and RN's here have a 75% deduction in tuition if they were to attend any of the NP programs our hospital is affiliated with. Many nurses take advantage of it and the university is actually a US New and World Report highly-ranked NP Program. Maybe research how you can take advantage of similar discounts.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Jul 15

No one pays full price for an NP education! (Unless they come from a wealthy family). So let's take a look at 2 things:

1. Should you become an NP? Only if you truly want to be a provider. Don't do it just because you think you will make more money than being an RN. You will likely take a pay cut for your first NP job. And depending on where you live, you can make just as much, even more money by being an experienced RN (California is a great example). Being a provider is very different than being an RN, so make sure you know what that entails. I have read a lot of posts on this forum by new NPs that are miserable and wish they were still RNs.

2. You don't have to spend a fortune to become an NP. State colleges and universities are an excellent, reasonable cost option. In New York, if you are a state resident, you can attend a New York public college for free. The federal HRSA scholarships provide a full ride education in return for public service. Many states have similar programs for their residents. Many private schools have great financial aid programs. Millions and millions of dollars in scholarships are unclaimed every year. If you are young enough, join the military and they will pay for your NP education. Some employers, including the Veterans Administration and some healthcare employers, will pay for part or all of your NP education. Johns Hopkins just got $1 Billion from Bloomberg to make med school there free for most, and there will also be funds for the nursing school from that. And having some loans is OK - just figure out what you can afford. $25k - 50k in loans to be an NP - most can afford that. Finally, I have known a number of NPs who worked as RNs while in NP school and graduated debt free as a result.

mrphil79 · Jul 17

There's a ton of state schools that don't charge out of state tuition for their NP programs no matter what state you're from — many of them range in cost from $15,000 to $25,000. total, For the whole shebang.

when you Google NP programs, your top Google hits are gonna be the schools that charge 40,000, 55,000, or even 65,000 or more for their programs.
Dig deeper.
If you really want to be an NP, it's worth spending some considerable time finding the best school for you, not just looking at the top 7 that come up on a Google search. The public (far more affordable) schools aren't gonna advertise and pay for those Google spots...