How to pay for nursing school

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Nursing school can be a powerful investment in your future, opening doors to stable, in-demand roles and long-term career growth. But when you start adding up tuition, clinical fees, books, and living expenses, figuring out how to pay for nursing school can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. With a clear plan, free money, and smart borrowing, paying for nursing school is manageable—and worth it.

Key steps to paying for nursing school

Paying for nursing school works best with a thoughtful, step-by-step approach. Start with the big picture, prioritize free money, and borrow strategically to cover the rest.

  1. Understand costs and future earnings. Look beyond tuition. Include fees, supplies, housing, and time spent in training all matter—and compare those numbers against how much you expect to earn after graduation.
  2. Maximize free money. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid should always come before loans. Free money can make nursing school more affordable.
  3. Borrow smart. Compare federal and private student loan options carefully. Cut costs and borrow only what you need so you can manage your payments.

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1. Understand your total costs and future earnings

Before committing to a program, it’s important to understand nursing school costs and the career outcomes tied to each degree.

Average nursing school costs and salaries by degree

Nursing school costs generally increase with degree level due to longer programs, advanced coursework, and clinical requirements. At the same time, higher-level nursing degrees often come with higher earning potential. Actual costs and salaries vary by school, role, and location, but these national ranges can help you compare options and plan.

  • LPN / LVN programs: Often offered through community colleges or technical schools and usually take about one year to complete, making them one of the fastest entry points into nursing.
    • Typical total program cost: $10,000–$25,000
    • Typical annual salary range: $45,000–$60,000
  • ADN programs: Commonly available at public community colleges, associate degree programs are a popular and affordable path to becoming a registered nurse.
    • Typical total program cost: $23,900–$66,320
    • Typical annual salary range: $65,000–$85,000
  • BSN programs: Offered at four-year colleges and universities, BSN programs include broader coursework and longer timelines, which can expand career opportunities after graduation.
    • Typical total program cost: $89,560–$211,390
    • Typical annual salary range: $70,000–$95,000
  • MSN programs: Designed for registered nurses pursuing advanced practice, leadership, or education roles, MSN programs vary by specialization and delivery format.
    • Typical total program cost: $15,030–$42,880
    • Typical annual salary range: $95,000–$130,000
  • DNP programs: Doctoral-level nursing programs focus on advanced clinical practice and systems leadership and typically span multiple years of study.
    • Typical total program cost: $63,570–$172,280
    • Typical annual salary range: $110,000–$160,000+

Total program costs may also include required fees, clinical and lab expenses, books and supplies, uniforms, technology, and licensing or exam costs.

Why nursing school costs vary

Nursing school costs can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Public vs. private institutions: Public schools often have lower tuition due to state funding, while private schools typically cost more but may offer additional scholarships.
  • In-state vs. out-of-state tuition: Public colleges usually charge less for in-state residents and more for out-of-state students.
  • Program length and format (full time, part time, online): Longer programs generally cost more, while part-time or online formats may lower housing or commuting costs.
  • Clinical, lab, and technology fees: Nursing programs often charge extra fees for labs, simulations, clinical placements, and required equipment.
  • Local cost of living: Housing, transportation, and daily expenses vary by location and can significantly affect total costs.

How to figure out your full cost of attendance

Tuition is only one piece of the puzzle. Your total cost of attendance may include:

  • Housing and transportation
  • Books, scrubs, and medical supplies
  • Licensing and exam fees
  • Technology and equipment
  • Limits on working and loss of salary while enrolled

Using Scout College Search, you can look at nursing programs side by side and compare estimated costs—not just tuition—before you commit.

How to pay for graduate nursing programs

Funding for graduate nursing programs like MSN and DNP degrees looks different from undergraduate nursing education.

Graduate nursing students typically have access to fewer grants, so funding often relies more heavily on scholarships, federal loans, employer support, and specialized health profession loans.

Common funding sources for graduate nursing students include:

If you’re pursuing a master’s degree or doctoral program in nursing, understanding these differences early can help you plan smarter.

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2. Maximize free money for nursing school

Free money should always come first. Every dollar you receive in scholarships or grants is one less dollar you may need to spend out of pocket or take out in loans.

In 2025, scholarships and grants covered 27% of total college costs, making them the second-largest funding source overall—and 75% of students said scholarships made college possible.

Source: How America Pays for College 2025

Federal aid and the FAFSA®

Completing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) matters—even for graduate nursing students.

Filing the FAFSA®:

  • Unlocks access to federal student loans
  • Is required for many grants and scholarships
  • Helps schools determine eligibility for certain aid programs

Use our step-by-step FAFSA® Guide to make the process easier.

Grants and fellowships

Nursing grants and fellowships are types of financial aid that don’t need to be repaid, which makes them one of the most affordable ways to pay for nursing school.

Nursing grants are usually need-based and may come from federal or state programs, schools, or healthcare organizations.

Nursing fellowships are more common at the graduate level and are typically merit-based. They’re often tied to advanced study, leadership, research, or service in high-need healthcare areas and may include tuition support or a stipend.

Scholarships

Nursing scholarships are another great way to fund nursing school. They don’t have to be repaid—and you can even stack multiple awards to lower your costs by a lot.

Opportunities include:

  • Merit-based and need-based scholarships
  • Specialty and population-focused nursing awards
  • Programs sponsored by employers, schools, and nonprofits

Tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you find scholarships that match your major and career interests. Be sure to check out monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship. These low-effort scholarships make it easy to get started—no long applications required.

3. Borrow smart

Even after scholarships and grants, many students use loans to cover remaining costs. The goal is to borrow thoughtfully—so your loans support your career instead of limiting your options.

Federal vs. private student loans

Federal student loans are often a good starting point. They’re issued by the U.S. Department of Education and may offer options private loans don’t, such as income-driven repayment programs.

Private graduate student loans, offered by banks and other lenders, can help fill funding gaps once you’ve maximized scholarships, grants, and federal borrowing.

Federal student loans

Your federal loan options will depend on your program level. To access any federal loan, you'll need to complete the FAFSA each year.

Undergraduate nursing students

You may qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. If those don’t cover your full cost, a parent may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan for Parents (Parent PLUS), which requires a credit check. Learn more in our Federal PLUS Loan Guide.

Undergraduate borrowing limits

  • $5,500–$12,500 per year
  • Up to $31,000 lifetime total for dependent students
  • Up to $57,500 lifetime total for independent students

Graduate nursing students

As a grad student, you may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These don't require a credit check, but interest gets added as soon as the funds get disbursed. Recent federal loan changes have lowered borrowing limits for graduate students.

Graduate borrowing limits (as of July 1, 2026)

  • Up to $20,500 per year
  • Up to $100,000 lifetime, including any undergraduate federal loans

Plan for the funding gap

Scholarships, grants, and federal loans may not cover all of your nursing school expenses. Keep applying for free money to reduce what you need to borrow, and consider using private student loans strategically to to cover remaining expenses.

Private student loans

When used responsibly, private student loans can be part of a solid funding strategy. Many nursing students explore the Sallie Mae® nursing school loan for their undergraduate program, while the health professions student loan can be a good option for those pursuing an advanced nursing degree. These private loans are designed with nursing students in mind and offer features that make borrowing more flexible and tailored to your needs.

Before you borrow:

  • Review your federal aid offer carefully: Look at the breakdown of grants and federal loans, then figure out what you still need to cover.
  • Factor in current federal loan limits and changes: Understand if you’re affected and if you need to adjust your funding plan. For details, check out Sallie Mae's guide to PLUS loan changes.
  • Think long term: Consider how your expected nursing salary and job prospects line up with how much you plan to borrow. Use a loan calculator to estimate your payments ahead of time.

Borrowing smart isn’t just about finding a loan—it’s about creating a plan that fits your career, your budget, and your future.

More ways to pay for nursing school

Besides scholarships and loans, there are other ways to reduce nursing school costs.

  • Employer tuition assistance: Many healthcare employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs, especially for employees who commit to staying after graduation.
  • Government service programs: Agencies such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may offer partial or full funding in exchange for service in underserved areas.
  • Apprenticeships and paid training pathways: Some nursing pathways allow students to earn income while completing required training, helping offset education costs.
  • Military education benefits: Military service may provide tuition support, housing allowances, and other education benefits in exchange for service.

Fund your nursing career with confidence

Paying for nursing school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you understand your full costs, focus on free money first, and borrow thoughtfully, you put yourself in a stronger position from the start.

With the right mix of scholarships, federal aid, and loans, nursing school can be an investment that pays off long after graduation—and sets you up for a meaningful, in-demand career.

 

Frequently asked questions

Covering the cost of nursing school

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA® for nursing school?

Yes. The FAFSA®  is required to access federal student loans and may also be used by schools to award certain grants or  scholarships—for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

What federal loans are available for nursing students?

Undergraduate nursing students may qualify for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Graduate nursing students typically qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and may also be eligible for Graduate PLUS loans.

Are there limits on how much I can borrow for nursing school?

Yes. Federal student loans have annual and lifetime borrowing limits, which vary for undergraduate and graduate students.

What scholarships are available for nursing school?

Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or specialty-focused and are offered by schools, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and professional associations.

How do I find nursing school scholarships?

Start with your school’s financial aid office, then use scholarship search tools, like Scholly Scholarships, to find nursing-specific and graduate-level opportunities.

Are small scholarships worth applying for?

Yes. Even smaller awards can add up and help reduce how much you need to borrow.

Should I use private loans for nursing school?

Private loans may help cover costs after scholarships and federal aid are applied. They’re typically used to fill funding gaps.

What if scholarships and federal aid aren’t enough?

If free money and federal loans don’t cover all your costs, a private nursing school loan may help fill the gap when used responsibly.

Sources: Cost ranges are based on publicly available data from sources such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and published tuition data from public universities and community colleges. Salary ranges are based on national wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and aggregated salary reports for registered and advanced practice nurses. Actual costs and earnings vary by role, experience, location, and employer.

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