Average RN Student Loan Debt

Average RN Nursing and LPN Nursing Student Loan Debt

How Much Debt Is Incurred While Pursuing a Nursing Degree?

You may have a passion for caring for people, which can be a great career. However, if you are considering nursing as a career, one of the most important considerations is to make a clear plan for the hefty price this career path incurs. While the costs are very real and substantial, the spiritual and financial reward continues to draw people into this healthcare role. Solidly understanding the financial details can give you peace of mind when you are ready to jump into nursing. Let’s dive into the financial details that often get overlooked.

Cost of Nursing Education

Picking a public or private institution is typically the most significant factor impacting your overall debt burden. The next step is deciding what degree level you want to pursue. The two biggest factors influencing the debt burden you may amass are whether you choose to attend a public or private institution and the level of education you pursue. Below is a breakdown of typical costs:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Costs

An ADN is the fastest and most affordable pathway to becoming a registered nurse (RN). These programs typically take two years to complete and are offered at community colleges. These programs often provide a combination of in-class and online learning. 

• In-State Tuition: $6,000–$12,000 for two-year programs at public community colleges.
• Out-of-State Tuition: $8,000–$30,000 for non-residents attending public institutions.

Examples:

• Tyler Junior College (TX): ~$3.1K/year for residents; ~5K/year for non-residents (2025).
• Foothill College (CA): ~$16.8K/year for full-time students

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Costs

A BSN provides more advanced training than an ADN and may lead to higher earning potential or opportunities in leadership roles. However, it comes with higher tuition costs and requires four years to complete.

• Tuition Range: $40K–$80K for four-year programs at public universities, and a range of $100K -$200K at private institutions.

Example:

• University of Texas at Austin: ~$12.4K/year for in-state students; ~$22.7K/year for out-of-state students (2025).

Additional Expenses

Beyond Tuition, there are other costs specific to nursing programs that students must consider:

1. Books and Supplies: $1,500–$3,600 annually.
2. Licensing Costs:
   • NCLEX-RN Exam: $200 (NCSBN).
   • State licensing fees: $100–$300 depending on location.
3. Equipment and Apparel: Scrubs, stethoscopes, and other tools (~$500).

Average Student Debt for Nursing Education

National Averages by Program Type

• ADN Graduates: ~$23K in student loan debt.
• BSN Graduates: ~$29K in student loan debt.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduates: ~$49K in student loan debt.

Factors Influencing Debt Levels

1. Program Length:
   • ADN programs typically result in lower debt compared to BSN or MSN programs due to their shorter duration.
2. Institution Type:
   • Public universities offer significantly lower tuition rates than private institutions.
3. Financial Aid Availability:
   • Scholarships like the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship ($10,000) or the AACN Scholarship ($5,000) can help reduce overall debt burdens.

Repayment Timeline and Options

Standard Repayment Plans

• Federal loan repayment terms are over 10 years. These types of loans usually have fixed monthly payments.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans (IDR)

• These plans give you flexibility in your repayment strategy by adjusting to your personal circumstances. Your income and family size will alter the details of your plan. These plans often offer a longer repayment term. It is not unusual to see extended repayment periods of 20–25 years on IDRs.

Loan Forgiveness Options

1. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available to nurses working full-time in nonprofit or government roles.
2. State-Specific Programs: Some states offer loan repayment incentives for nurses working in underserved areas.

Strategies to Minimize Student Loan Debt for Nurses

1. Scholarships and Grants
   • Apply for scholarships like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program or state-specific grants designed for nursing students.
2. Budgeting During School
   • Reduce living expenses by commuting or sharing housing with roommates.
   • Consider part-time work in healthcare settings.
3. Borrowing Smartly
   • Prioritize federal loans with lower interest rates over private loans.

Impact of Student Loan Debt on Nurses

Career Choices

Debt levels can influence job selection:

• Nonprofit roles may offer loan forgiveness but lower salaries.
• Private hospital roles often provide higher pay but no loan relief.

Financial Stress

Back in 2020, hospitals offered signing bonuses during COVID-19 to attract much-needed talent to the field—surprisingly, some still do. When you check the numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you’ll see that RNs tend to pull in about $98.4K each year, which usually means you can handle your student loans and still live decently. Keeping your debt as lean as possible—really chopping it down aggressively—is key to balancing those books and planning for the future.

Conclusion

Deciding on nursing means you must sort out your cash early to avoid drowning in debt, and several strategies are core to debt reduction regardless of field. Scholarships, keeping a close eye on your spending while in school, and even checking out loan forgiveness options—like PSLF can all help reduce your financial strain. 

If you take a moment from the start to look over tuition fees and think about how you’ll pay them back, you’ll be set to dive into this expanding field with abundant confidence—both professionally and, well, financially!