There are several ways you can pay for nursing school, including grants, scholarships, work study, federal loans, and private student loans. Most students need to rely on a combination of these methods to cover all their nursing school expenses. Here’s an overview on nursing school costs and how to cover them.
Nursing Tuition and Fees
The average amounts for nursing tuition and fees fluctuate between public and private institutions. According to NurseJournal, the average cost for a 2-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) is $12,300. The average cost for a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is $30,880, and the master’s degree in nursing (MSN) has an average price of $29,970. Those pursuing a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) can expect an average total cost of $33,810.
Federal Financial Aid
Federal financial aid includes grants, federal work study, and federal loans. To qualify, you’ll need to start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is the online form that determines your eligibility.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
You can complete and submit the FAFSA online via the Federal Student Aid website. If you have not already created a user account, you’ll need to set one up and establish an FSA ID. If you are a dependent student, your parents will also need to complete the form. Once your FAFSA is submitted, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent to your school with information about your financial aid eligibility.
Work Study Programs
After your financial aid office reviews your FAFSA results, they will let you know if you can be placed in a work-study program. This is basically a part-time job where your earnings help cover the cost of nursing school.
Federal Student Loans
There are two types of federal loans you may qualify for: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Subsidized loans are based on need whereas unsubsidized loans do not require a demonstration of need to qualify. Your interest is covered by the government on subsidized loans during your in-school period and your grace period. But you are responsible for the interest on your unsubsidized loans. Your financial aid office will relay your exact loan amounts.
Private Student Loans
Private loans for nursing school can be used once you’ve exhausted your federal or free aid. Private student loans do require a credit check, so applying with a creditworthy cosigner may improve your chances of getting approved. Plus, having a cosigner may help you qualify for a lower interest rate.
Best Private Student Loans for Graduate School
Edvisors (Edvisors Network, Inc.
) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans.You can read full Advertiser Disclosure here.
- Competitive APRs starting at 2.89%1
- Coverage up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance ($1,000 minimum) 2
- Apply online in 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
College Ave's student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
1All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
2As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
3This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 08/11/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
- Check your eligibility in just 2 minutes
- No fees for origination, disbursement, prepayment, or late payment3
- Skip a payment once per year (once repayment period restarted)4
This information is for graduate and undergraduate students attending Title IV-qualified, not-for-profit, 4-year institutions. Rates offered vary by loan type (undergraduate, graduate, cosigner). Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents if the school is located outside of the United States. Non-U.S. citizen borrowers who reside in the U.S. are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) and are required to provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID to verify identity. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply.
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your financial profile. Fixed annual percentage rates (APR) range from 3.14% to 16.74% (2.89% - 16.49% with auto pay discount). Variable annual percentage rates (APR) range from 5.24% to 17.10% (4.99% - 16.85% with auto pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once a month, but there is no limit on the amount that the rate could increase at one time. Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and requires selection of our shortest term offered (5 years), full principal and interest payment while in school, and enrollment in our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. Enrolling in autopay is not required as a condition for approval.
1You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
2Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
3Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, or prepayments. Florida Stamp Tax: For Florida
residents, Florida documentary stamp tax is required by law, calculated as $0.35 for each $100 (or portion thereof) of the principal loan amount, the amount of which is provided in the Final Disclosure. Lender will add the stamp tax to the principal loan amount. The full amount will be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Certificate of Registration No. 78-8016373916-1.
4Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.
1.) Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples: These examples provide estimates based on principal and interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable annual percentage rate ("APR"): A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20.
2.) These examples provide estimates based on interest only payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $140.42 for 57 months.
3.) These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.92% APR)would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $25.00.
4.) These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $0.
The information provided on this page is updated as of 08/13/2025. Earnest reserves the right to change, pause, or terminate product offerings at any time without notice.
Earnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107.
Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770) One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America.
© 2025 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.
- AFFORDABLE fixed rates starting at 2.89% APR with Automatic Debit Discount*
- 1% CASH BACK Graduation Reward*
- COVER UP TO 100% of your tuition and eligible living expenses.
* Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 10/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.
The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
- Prequalification: Prequalify to estimate your rate without affecting your credit score
- Online Application Process: Submit online application in minutes
- Flexible Repayment Options: ELFI offers immediate, interest only, partial payment, and fully deferred repayment options
- No Fees: No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties
- Low Rates: Fixed rates from 2.99% to 14.22% and variable rates from 4.88% - 13.97%*
- Award winning Customer Service: Individually paired Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application process
*ELFI is a nationwide student loan provider offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist students financially with receiving their education. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions. Interest rates current as of 10-01-2025. Variable interest rates may increase after closing but will never exceed 18.00%. Interest rates may also differ from the rates shown above. The term of your loan, financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history can affect the interest rate. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 7% would have 120 payments of $11.61 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.
Interest Rates
The interest rate you can expect to pay will depend on the types of loans you borrow. As a general rule, federal loan rates are lower than private loans, partly because they have a fixed interest rate. The interest rates on private student loans can be fixed or variable, and lenders will offer their lowest rates to the most creditworthy borrowers and cosigners.
Nursing Scholarships
To help reduce the total amount of student loans you may need to borrow, you can search and apply for scholarships. There are nursing scholarships for undergraduate programs, as well as master’s and doctoral nursing programs. And some scholarships may be aimed at nursing specializations, such as critical care or nurse educators. Below is a list of scholarship resources and individual scholarships.
AACN Scholarships
- About: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has several scholarship programs that help nursing students across different academic levels.
- Eligibility: Varies
- Award: Varies, usually starts at $5,000
ENA Foundation Scholarships
- About: The ENA Foundation helps students with scholarships and research grants in the field of emerging nursing.
- Eligibility: Varies. Application periods are from December to August.
- Award: Varies
A Nurse I Am Scholarship
- About: A Nurse I Am is a documentary that turned into a movement. Today, the scholarship program has awarded over $200,000 to deserving nursing students across the country.
- Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate or graduate level nursing student at an accredited program pursuing an AND, BSN, LVN/LPN, RN, MSN, PhD, NP, DNP, or APRN.
- Award: $3,000 (total of 10 scholarships available)
Meland Foundation Scholarship
- About: The Meland Foundation has a goal to help further the pediatric specialty and to enhance the ability of families to care for loved ones.
- Eligibility: BSN degree holders in the NJ-NY-CT-PA area who wish to pursue the MSN, DNP or Nurse Practitioner degree with a pediatric specialty.
- Award: $2,000 to $5,000
Johnson&Johnson Scholarship Database
- About: Johnson&Johnson has aggregated close to 350 nursing scholarships on their website. They cover multiple disciplines and academic levels.
- Eligibility: Varies.
- Award: Varies
Tuition Reimbursement for Nurses
Many employers, hospitals, and healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement for nurses. In addition to competitive pay and strong retirement plans, many companies extend tuition reimbursement as a benefit to attract and retain talent. In some cases, this may apply to loan forgiveness. In other cases, it could assist with continuing education.
Nursing Loan Forgiveness Programs
There are student loan forgiveness programs for nurses that can make a sizeable dent in your nursing school debt. Some are federal programs and others may be offered by individual employers.
Below are some resources to help you find organizations that publish tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs for nursing professionals:
Johnson&Johnson Database of Employers
The nursing section on the Johnson&Johnson website includes over 100 programs with tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs. You will find everything from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to state-based healthcare systems and private hospitals. Links to individual websites are included.
HCAI Loan Repayment Programs
The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) lists several loan repayment programs on their website that are specific to nursing professionals, including vocational nurses and BSN holders.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is available to borrowers with Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS, or Direct Consolidation loans who have already made 120 qualifying payments in an eligible repayment plan.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
The NHSC Loan Repayment Program is a loan forgiveness program that applies to nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and other primary care clinicians. You must be serving in a discipline-related Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
State Based Loan Forgiveness
Nearly every state now offers some type of loan forgiveness for healthcare professionals, including nurses. You can typically find these through the state or county’s Department of Health and Human Services, Veteran’s Affairs Office, or similar agency.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (NCLRP)
The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is one of the most generous of its kind. If you plan on becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), this program is worth looking into ahead of time. Requirements include being willing to serve at a critical shortage facility or serve as nurse faculty at an eligible school of nursing.
