15 Affordable Nursing Schools in USA and Their Tuition Fees (2023)

Study Nursing in USA

International students in the USA looking for a rewarding and stable career might want to look into studying for a nursing degree. With the many paths and specialties, there are countless opportunities for nursing students.

Ifyou wishfor a careeroperatingclosely with people in a place whereyou’llmakeanotable difference,a degree in nursingcould beright for you.

So What are the Careers in Nursing?

Completing a degree in nursing provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a hospital nurse, or to enter an alternate career in relation to research, specialist practice, or alternative choices.

Whileoverhalf ofallthe employednursesarebased mostlyin ahospital, nursing studentsalso cancontinue their studiesto tread a pathinto specialist nursing fields.

Hospital nurses also have many career options within the healthcare system including work in Medical-Surgery, ED/ER (Emergency), B (Obstetrics), S (Pediatrics), and ICU/NICU (Intensive Care and Oncology). Alternatively, if you want to experience different types of nursing you can be a “floater,” a nurse that rotates across various departments and floors.

Outside of the hospitalsurroundings,anurse could also be anurse that cares for patientsin a workplace, atapatientclinic, or atapatientsurgical center.

These nurses prepare patients for routine examinations, administer injections and medications, dress wounds and incisions, and assist the healthcare team with minor as well as major surgeries.

Public health nurses work with communities like schools or small groups or teams to boost overall public health within the space. They provide instruction and guidance concerning health problems like disease prevention, nutrition, and child care.

These public health nursesorganizehealth screenings for immunizations,blood pressure leveltesting, mammograms, and HIV/AIDS testing.

Long-term care nurses manage nursing care for residents with conditions ranging from minor health care issues to Alzheimer’s disease. They aresometimesbased mostlyinanaidedliving facility or arest home or nursing home.

Home-health nurses provide patient care through home-calls. They visit patients in their houses instead of in the clinic. Many of their patientsmightneedlong orshort termcare, for example, when recovering from an illness or accident.

Finally, hospice care nurses work with patientsthatareterminallysick,at homeorwho are in ahospice, supporting them throughout theirill health.

Also read Highest Paying Jobs in Healthcare

What Makes a Good Nurse?

According to the World Health Organization, It isvitalthat studentscommitting tostudying nursing, havea lot of compassionandcommonsenseandarea unitwillingto producemental and physical care to patients and their families.

All nursesarea units areexpected to shareinfoconcerningvariedmedical conditions to those in their care in a compassionate, clear and professional manner.

Nursescantypicallyworkmore closely with individual patients than doctorsand canbe expectedto possessan honestbedside manneraltogether.

Most nursesconjointlywork closely with their co-workerstogether withdoctors,hospital employees, analysts and laboratory technicians, meaning they have to establish good working relationships with different types of people on a daily basis. Critical thinking, good decision-making, and problem-solving are essential for any international student interested in studying nursing in the US. Communication skills such as – verbal, non-verbal and written, are expected.

Studying nursing as a foreignstudentwhospeaksmore than one languagewill beaplusbecause itmightpreferably berequiredduringpatient-care.

When treating patients,it’svitalthat nursesarevery confident, communicate clearly and build a relationship of trust with their patientswho most timesareafraidand confused.

It is the nurse’s job to settle patient fears,offergeneral support to patientsthroughouttheirill health, and clear doubts about their condition or treatment.

Also reab All You Need to Know About Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing

Growth in the Nursing Field

In US, here has beenvitaldevelopmentwithin thefield of nursing in recent yearsdue tothe advancementof latestmedical technologyand coverings.

There are now more opportunities for nurses with specialities, who are trained to use new equipment and analyze results.

New advancements inidentificationand treatment havemodifiedthe finalapproach to patient care andbecause thepopulation is aging, and more elderly people require care, opportunities for nurses are constantly increasing.

Modernhealth care is often aimed toward the ongoing treatment of patients withchronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cardiovasculardisease, and mental health deterioration.

Therefore, studying nursingwithin theU.Sguaranteesniceemployment opportunitiesafter graduation, offers the chance to study different specialisms, and provides the variety of courses and paths for students to choose the type of nursingthat’sright for them.

Different jobs havetotally differentexpectations, some nurses will choose towork nine-to-five, while others will prefer the fast-paced hospital environmentworking 12-hour shifts.

Both the payand also thesort ofwork nursesdowill beverypleasing, but also draining, so it’s important to choose the career option that best fits your expectations and become the best nurse you can be.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

The United States population is growing older. As the nation’s senior population continues to increase, so does the demand for nurses to take care of these individuals.
While no one can predict what will happen in the future, it’s safe to assume that aging is a trend that will continue to hold true. This makes now an ideal time to enroll in nursing programs.

Even though the prospects look bright for nursing careers,there are other important aspects to consider before dedicating the next fewyears of your life to becoming a nurse.

One oftheforemostimportantquerieson the minds of mostwould-be nursing students is this:interms of money, how muchdoesschool of nursingcost?

Just like any other school student contemplating a major, cost is a huge consideration for anyone hoping to enroll in nursing school. The following four factors will impact what you pay for your education.

Four factors impacting the cost of nursing school

• Nursing degrees — The largest fee students and parents face is for tuition. How much you pay depends onseveralfactors, chief among them the type of education you pursue. There are numerous ways to become a nurse. You can enroll in an associate degree program, a bachelor’s degree program, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) program, or a bridge program for LPNs or LVNs. Each programofferingencompasses atotally differentcostrelated toit.

• Pursuing a bachelor’s — Tuition fees for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) range anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 each year in private institutions and large universities. This degree typically takes four years to complete.

• Community college considerations — In contrast to the above, BSN programs offered at community colleges cost considerably less. Tuitionand chargesin thesefacultiesmayvaryanyplacefrom $3,000 to about $14,000 a year.
• The Associate option — If it’s important to you to begin your nursing career quickly, an associate degree in nursing could be the right step since it only requires two years to finish. Another option is to enroll in a licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nursing program. Those only require about a year to complete. Each of these programs costs significantly less than a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Once you’ve gained some actual experience, you’ll have the background to enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program. Once again, the cost of these degrees varies by the school. Ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement for programs such as this.

Also read Top Nursing Scholarships for International Students
The cost factor considerations above aside, it’s important to factor in the miscellaneous costs of nursing school because they can begin to add up. For example, textbooks, nursing gowns and uniforms, and health insurance are other costs you’ll need to cover. Every year, expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to more than $3,000 for textbooks. As a nursing student, you’ll also be required to wear uniforms and purchase your own medical devices such as a stethoscope, blood pressure apparatus, watch, goggles, thermometer and more. Items like these can span from $300 to $500. Your health insurance is another important consideration, costing from about $1,000 to more than $4,000 each year. Application fees and laboratory fees should also be on your list of eventual expenses.

As withotherdegrees, living expenses should be a major part of your college budget.

These expenses vary greatly as they pertain to where your school is located, whether you’re living at home and more. Conservatively speaking, expect housing, meals and other expenses to cost between $10,000 to $20,000 a year.

Numbers like this might begin to seem overwhelming. If they are, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a great place to start seeking help to fund your nursing education. Andin fact,you might consider goingthe studentloan route.

The important idea here is to keep focused on the end goal — a rewarding and impactful nursing job in the health care profession.

Also read 10 Best Nursing schools in Canada

Affordable Nursing Schools in USA to Study Nursing

1. Abielene Christian University

Degree Programs
Enrollments: 2000 – 5000 students
Avg. Cost Per Year: $31,000

ACU School of Nursing educates students for lifelong learning and Christian service and leadership as professional nurses throughout the world. The Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Studentsare dulymentored by Christianschoolandactivenursesduring arigorousacademicsetting.

The program offers the following components for a world-class nursing education:

• Practice with state-of-the-art technology in classrooms and simulation laboratories
• Local and regional clinical experiences in acute, critical and community healthcare settings, with the option for an international experience
• Opportunity to work collaboratively with faculty on research
• Evidence-based and problem-based approaches to learning
• Community education outreach

Official Website: http://www.acu.edu/community/nursing/about/overview.html

2. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College School of Nursing and Health Sciences
2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000 – 5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $3,453

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers two widely sought after degrees in healthcare for both beginning undergraduate students and current healthcare professionals. It boasts of having one of the highest NCLEX RN pass rates in the state and a 100% employment rate for graduates. They offer both a traditional track to becoming an RN and an option for practical nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists to become registered in just one year through the Bridge track.

Official Website: http://www.abac.edu/academics/schools/nursing

3. Baker University School of Nursing and Baker University

2 Degree Programs
2 Certificate Programs
Enrollments: 0 – 2000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $27,160

Official Website: https://www.bakeru.edu/academics/#Nursing

4. Baldwin Wallace University

1 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000 – 5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $29,908

Ifyou’ve gotabaccalaureate, BW’s acceleratedBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can put you in a rewarding newcareer in just 15 months.

BWcombines classroom rigor with comprehensive clinical rotations.

You’ll gain leadership, communication and critical thinkingskills suited to today’s complex health care system.

Uponcompletion, you’ll be prepared to take the National Council LicensureExamination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Students enter the program withseveraleducational, professionalandskilledbackgrounds.

Official Website: https://www.bw.edu/academics/nursing/

5. Ball State University

3 Degree Programs
4 Bridge Programs
4 Certificate Programs
Enrollments: 15000 or more
Avg. Cost Per Year: $9,498

As a nursing major, you’ll gain hands-on medical experience in our simulation lab and get to know your classmates in our Living-Learning Community just for our students.

Official Website: https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/nursing

6. Baptist College of Health Sciences

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
1 Certificate Programs
Enrollments: 0 – 2000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $10,892

Onlythirtycreditsto achievethe baccalaureate in nursing degree at Baptistcollege. A variety course deliverychoicesaccessible,as well as100%online. Complete degreerequirementsinside(1) year, if desired. General education courseswill betakenat the same timewithprofessional and skillednursing courses, if desired. Enrollmentare opened3xannually.Credit forpreviousLearning (CPL)obtainablethrough portfolio presentation.

Competency-based exams available for Pharmacology and Health Assessment. CLEP Exams for General Education courses accepted.

41 nursing transfer credits awarded forpreviousnursing education for RNs withan officially activenursing license. Individual faculty coordinator to provide support and mentoring throughout the program.

Official Website: https://www.bchs.edu/nursing

7. Colorado Christian University

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000 – 5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $27,986

Welcome to Colorado Christian University’s Nursingprograms, offered through CCU’scollege/schoolofNursing and Health Professions.

Our vision is to empower you tofollownursing as ministry.

We challenge our nursing degree students to becomecompetent, compassionate, moral leaders who impact their world and transformhealthcare through the uniqueness of Christ-inspired nursing practice.

At CCU, nursing isconsidered to be doubling asascienceand a sacredcall.

Official Website: https://www.ccu.edu/ccu/nursing/

8. Colorado Mesa University

3 Degree Programs
2 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 5000 – 10000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $7,474

The online RN to BSN program at Colorado Mesa Universityoffersskilled and professionalnursesthe chanceto grow anddevelopvitalcompetenciesin evidence-basedapplicationandinsight intomodernhealthcare challenges.

Official Website
https://degree.coloradomesa.edu/articles/the-science-of-nursing.aspx

9. Dillard University

1 Degree Programs
2 Bridge Programs
Enrollment: 0 – 2000 students
Avg. Cost Per Year: $16,252

Official Website
http://www.dillard.edu/_academics/college-and-degree-programs/_school-of-nursing/index.php

10. Dixie State University of Utah

1 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 15000 or more
Avg. Cost Per Year: $4,620

Nursesare very crucialcrucial members of ahealth careteamthat givessafe, evidence-based, patient centered care to all. If you are dedicated, quick-thinking and compassionate. Dixie’s nursing programwillassist youto develop your natural skills into aprofitablecareer.

Official Website: https://health.dixie.edu/nursing/

11. Firelands Regional Medical Center
1 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 15000 or more
Avg. Cost Per Year

The Firelands Regional centre college of Nursing is among the top nursing schools in Ohio. We hopethat youlike what youstudyour collegeand thatit becomes yourselectionfor high-quality nursing education.

Official Website
https://www.firelands.com/education-training/school-of-nursing/

12. Fitchburg State University

Enrollments: 2000 – 5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $9,935

The baccalaureate degree in nursingand also themaster’s degree in nursing at Fitchburg State Universityis dulylicensedby the Commission oncollegialNursing Education. The Department of Nursing has full approvalstandingfrom the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Official Website: https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-departments/nursing/

13. Houston Baptist University

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000 – 5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $29,800

Houston Baptist University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health trains nurses and health care professionals who care for the well-being of people in our communities. True health isquitesimplyavoiding or treatingillness. It’sconcerningpromoting the wholeness of the personand also thecommunity. Their Nursing and Kinesiology students understand this. They bring enthusiasm, care and diligence to this rigorous challenge. Nursing andkinesiologybothaccount foralmost athird of the University’s enrollment.

Official Website: https://www.hbu.edu/school-of-nursing-and-allied-health/

14. Husson College

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000 – 5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $16,582

Students who do not meet the admissions criteria for the Nursing Program may apply for undeclared status and submit a Change of Major request at the end of the first academic year. It issuggestedthat students take courses from the freshman level program of study. Therearearestrictedvarietyof positions formodificationof major students andthere’sno guarantee of admission.

Studentswithin thenursing programshouldpossess the essential qualifications to performthe abilitiesand behaviorsneededofa professionalnurse. Therefore, all nursing studentsshouldpossessthe requiredessential qualificationsto satisfyadmission, progression, and graduation requirements:

Official Website: https://www.husson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-professional-admissions/admission-requirements/nursing-admission

15. Illinois Eastern Community College

1 Degree Programs
Tuition fees: Undisclosed
The Practical Nursing Program at Illinois Central College is designed to prepare the nursing graduate to give nursing care to patients at the bedside under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist. You monitor vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.

Additional dutiesinvolvedamendmentdressings, preparing and giving injections, assisting patients with personal hygiene, and meeting their emotional needs. In some instances,likein nursing homes,accreditedpracticalnursesassessresidents’wants, develop care plans, and supervise nursing aides.

Official Website: https://www.iecc.edu/page.php?page=NURS

Also read Complete List of Medicine and Nursing Scholarship for International Students

Conclusion

Studying Nursing in the United States can be affordable, which is evident through the list and guidance provided in this content.With the right information and guidance studying Nursing in USA becomes something considerable.