NP program cost. Your input please!

Published

From those of you who are practicing NP's. Is 90,000 dollars (out of state tuition) for an NP program worth it? Is it feasible to pay back? (Please don't fill me up with "it's worth it if you love it" or "it depends on if you can live really cheap to pay it back"). Real everyday life living, is that much in tuition worth it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
From those of you who are practicing NP's. Is 90,000 dollars (out of state tuition) for an NP program worth it? Is it feasible to pay back? (Please don't fill me up with "it's worth it if you love it" or "it depends on if you can live really cheap to pay it back"). Real everyday life living, is that much in tuition worth it?

I am not an NP yet but looking at similar tuition costs. The sad fact of the matter is, schools are really jacking up the prices of these programs. Even a lot of the MA programs are nearing 30 grand, for a hopeful shot at a job paying $16/hour. I've seen many of the ABSN programs now charging well over 50K for ONE YEAR!! My philosophy is I will suck it up and pay the cost. I think it will be worth it for ME. Life in the tropics.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, ICU,clinic supervis case manager,.

Not if you can get the same program for 20,000.00 End objective being to pass board cert test...but if name brands mean everything yes....suck it up and get loan repayment thru employer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I am currently in an FNP program and will pay around $35k for the whole program. It is a small private school that does not charge out of state tuition, so despite being an out of state student, my tuition is actually affordable. I have been able to affordable tuition as I go, and have not had to take out any student loans, which is a huge plus for me. Some of the other schools I looked at were as much as $30-$50k a year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

WOW, awesome people are finding programs for those costs. I haven't seen them, maybe not looked hard enough. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my case I had to look beyond price alone and consider how much time various programs would take. I chose an expensive program in the end because a much less expensive program close to home would've taken several years for me to complete. Once I figured in the years I would NOT be working as an NP, it was cost-effective to attend the pricey school.

An added bonus is that I was contacted by potential employers due to he reputation of the school I attended.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, ICU,clinic supervis case manager,.

Check out UMAss BOSTON...AND EVEN when you see out of state tuition it doesn't apply to online/distance courses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am going to a state school in NJ (so in state tuition). I am going to pay about 40K for my 52 credit FNP. It would be less if I were going for the adult tract. That is in addition to the 30K that I paid for my BSN. They even assist you with finding clinical sites. All in all I am quite happy with everything.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it makes sense to check with employers/NPs in your intended work area and see if there are more expensive schools that they view highly for whatever reason. If not, go with what's economically and geographically feasible. I'm a student at UCONN because 1) it's nearby and 2) I have credits there and 3) plenty of people in the area were hired after completing that program. Yale and Quinnipiac are also in the state and vastly pricier, but I haven't met anyone saying they'd hire from there preferentially.

I'm paying as I go, having dropped slowly to part-time now that I'm in clinicals. It was important to me NOT to have to repeat the undergrad process of taking out loans. I don't want that hanging over my head.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP, ONP.

There are a lot of variables to consider. Are you single? Do you have savings? Assets? Other debt? How old are you now and how much have you put away for your retirement already? Do you have children? If so, how much have you saved for their education? And so on.

Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is never to assume more total educational debt than you can fairly anticipate earning in your first year starting salary. Know your market. Know your options. Speak to a tax accountant and a financial planner.

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in women's health, NICU.

^^^what they said. I went to a state school and paid about $20-25k out of pocket. Excellent pass rate for boards. It all depends on your current situation

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I attend Loyola New Orleans BSN to DNP program. My education will be around $65-70K after the 3 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion