Nursing is one of the few professions where demand is so high that your "return on investment" is nearly guaranteed—but the price tag for a nursing education varies wildly. Most nurses graduate with debt ranging from $23,000 to $150,000, a gap driven by your choice of school and degree level.
Is nursing student loan debt worth it?
The short answer is, “Yes!” Given the stability, demand, and strong earning potential of the nursing profession, it is a career choice that often justifies taking on student loan debt. However, to determine if the debt is worth it for your specific situation, you should weigh the “sticker price” of the education against the long-term financial potential that your chosen profession will provide.
How much student loan debt is normal for nurses?
Depending on the nursing program (undergraduate vs. graduate; public vs. private), student loan typically ranges from $23K to $150K or more.
Choosing your profession can be overwhelming, and many questions may arise. Therefore, this article is intended to provide an overview of the costs of nursing programs, living expenses, materials, and student loans, so you have an idea of the investment required to become a nurse.
Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan options, repayment plans, and eligibility vary by individual and program.
The average nursing student loan debt varies significantly based on the type of nursing school—whether it is public, private, in-state, or out-of-state—and the degree you choose to pursue—undergraduate or graduate—among other factors.
Let’s take a closer look. Below, we break down typical nursing school costs and student loan debt by degree type and program structure to help put these numbers into context.
Nursing degree costs by program type
Compare the costs of nursing school by degree—ADN vs. BSN, MSN vs. DNP—to decide which path is best for you.
As a result, total nursing school costs—and potential student loan debt—increase substantially as degree level and program length increase.
Factors that influence nursing student loan debt
Multiple factors influence whether nursing students graduate debt-free or end up with tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in student loans. Some factors you can control, and some you can’t.
How much student loan debt do nurses graduate with?
Undergraduate vs. graduate degree
First, let’s look at average student loan debt for nurses based on degree type. It differs sharply between undergraduate and graduate nursing programs due to tuition costs and program length.
- ADN graduates: $23,302
- BSN graduates: $28,917
- Graduate degrees (MSN/DNP): $50K to $150K
Private vs. public schooling
Public schools are typically much less expensive than private schools. Private degree programs cost substantially more than in-state public degrees, regardless of which program you’re pursuing.
Tuition and fees for 4-year programs
2024-2025 averages:
- In-state public: $11,610
- Out-of-state public: $30,820
- Non-profit private: $43,250
2025-2026 projected averages:
- In-state public: $11,950
- Out-of-state public: $31,880
- Non-profit private: $45,000
Housing and food costs for 4-year programs
According to the College Board, the average costs of room and board for the 2024–2025 period and the estimates for 2025–2026 are the following:
Housing and food costs tend to remain relatively consistent across public institutions but are higher at private schools, adding a significant layer to total student loan needs.
Estimated total annual costs for 4-year programs (tuition, housing, and food)
- Public in-state schools: $24,920
- Public out-of-state: $44,130
- Non-profit private schools: $58,500
For the 2025-2026 period, projections anticipate $2K to $3K increases across the board.
Why 2-year programs can significantly reduce student loan debt
Getting an ADN at your local community college instead of pursuing a 4-year university program can help you save a significant amount on tuition and housing.
You can always complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program later.
Here is the breakdown of costs for the average 2-year local public school:
In-state vs. out-of-state programs
As illustrated in the previous sections, when it comes to public schools, in-state programs cost much less than out-of-state programs.
If you’ve got your heart set on a specific program out of state, consider getting your undergrad degree from an in-state school and then looking out of state for specialized programs.
Scholarship or financing availability
Scholarship and financial aid can greatly impact the amount of debt that nursing students incur. For example, the merit-based Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is available to residents. Additionally, some financing or scholarships may be available to low-income students, and some states may have programs that support single parents.
Furthermore, there are often merit-based scholarships based on past school performance. You can also look for scholarships online that may require an essay submission or getting a recommendation from a teacher or politician.
When looking for scholarships and financing, do the following:
- Look into state-sponsored funding and scholarships, including need-based programs, if you qualify.
- Talk to the financial aid department at the individual schools you’re considering.
- Search online for scholarships that you may qualify for, including specific niche areas like scholarships for nursing students, women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and specific minorities.
If you’re already working as a nurse after getting your ADN or BSN, your employer may be willing to pay for you to continue your education to obtain an MSN or a DNP.
Related: Explore common loans options for nurses, loan repayment options, and forgiveness programs.
Individual life experiences & responsibilities
Some nursing students are fortunate and don’t have to take out student loan debt. They may have a family that’s able to financially support them through school, and even pay for their living expenses during this time.
Other nurses may work hard to get through school debt-free, working a full-time job and taking nursing classes at night, or working a part-time job but living with family and friends at a low cost to avoid or minimize debt.
For some, though, student loan debt is a necessity. It’s common for students to take out loans to cover tuition and living expenses, such as rent or car payments, while they focus full-time on their nursing programs. They may not have their families to fall back on and know that getting through school quickly is their best financial option, even if it means student loan debt to tackle later.
Is my nursing student loan debt normal?
Having student loan debt is very common among nurses, especially those without family or employer support. However, consider how you can offset your loans to ensure the final amount is manageable relative to your expected income.
It is important to analyze your budget and your expected salary so there are no surprises in the future that strain your finances and affect other goals, like retirement or buying a home.
If you are unsure of your student loan balance, seek a qualified financial advisor who can help you adjust your borrowing plan, estimate your monthly payments, and check if it’s realistic for your conditions.
What’s changed with nursing student loan limits?
Under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," Congress passed a law that put federal loan caps on graduate students. This law creates two loan categories: standard and professional.
The difference in this categorization is that students in standard degree programs have a loan cap of $100K, while students in professional degree programs can receive loans totalling up to $200K.
How does this affect nurses?
The new program categorization excludes nursing from the professional category, meaning that the federal loan caps for nursing programs will be limited to $100K.
How can nurses pay off student loans faster?
For many, student loans are a necessary means to an end to get the education needed to break into their careers. Scholarships and financing can help, so make sure you look into all of your options before choosing a program. It’s much easier to slash potential costs upfront than pay off debt afterward.
Once you have completed your degree and have some student debt in tow, you can consider the following to help pay it off faster:
- Live below your means: It’s tempting to hop on a plane and visit every corner of the world whenever you have a few days off back-to-back, but save money where you can to pay off the debt faster. Paying extra toward the principal amount of the loan will help you pay it back faster.
- Consider picking up PRN jobs: PRN nursing work allows you to supplement your income to help pay your student loans, even if you’re already working full-time or part-time as a nurse. PRN shifts typically pay more per hour than in-house staff positions and offer flexibility to adapt to your school and work schedule.
- Refinance student loans if needed: If you already have private student loans with high interest rates, you can talk to an expert about the possibility of refinancing the loans at a lower interest rate. As a result, you’ll pay less in the long term, and you will be able to pay off loans faster.
Reminder: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Seek professional guidance according to your current situation.
Manage your student loan strategically
A high percentage of nursing students need loans to pay for their educational programs. Therefore, planning, analyzing, and seeking financial advice is the best way to ensure that you are taking the proper steps to achieve your goal without risking your financial future once you finish your program.
Nursing is a stable, high-demand career that offers a promising financial outlook. That said, it is important to ensure that you have realistic expectations and understand your options before you apply for a loan. Explore different ways to help you pay your student loan debt so you can reduce the time and pay less in the long term, such as scholarships, refinancing, or sponsors.
One way to increase your income without committing to overtime or a second job is through PRN shifts, which can help you pay for nursing school as you get an advanced nursing degree, and even pay down student loans faster while staying in control of your schedule.
If you have a valid CNA, LPN, RN, or other valid nursing license, you can find and fill open PRN shifts on the Nursa Shift Marketplace. Sign up with Nursa to find available nursing shifts.
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