There are various options for how to pay for nursing school, including federal grants and loans. You can also apply for scholarships for undergraduate students. For those already working in healthcare, employer tuition reimbursement may be an option, and private loans can cover any remaining gaps.
In 2019, the Hawaii Center for Nursing released a brief about barriers to academic progression in nursing. They found that financing their education was the biggest perceived barrier for students pursuing a nursing education. The solution: universities educating applicants on how to pay for nursing school and continuing that support throughout the program.
Utica University is committed to helping our applicants afford a B.S. in Nursing. If you’re applying to our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or Advanced Standing in Nursing program, we recommend contacting our Office of Student Financial Services to learn about funding options for your education.
As you work on creating a financial plan, understand the costs that contribute to tuition and explore options for financial aid for nursing school, including federal aid and scholarships.
Understanding the Cost of Nursing School
Generally, ABSN programs are more cost-effective than a traditional, four-year B.S. in Nursing program. ABSN students work on an accelerated timeline. This means they can enter the nursing workforce much sooner and begin generating income that can be used to pay off student debt.
Every nursing school, including Utica University, has its own fees. Although tuition and fees are subject to change, as of March 2025, you can expect to pay $920 per credit hour for a total expected tuition of $57,040 at Utica. Other expenses might include:
- Program fees
- A one-time admission deposit
- Background check and drug screening
- Course materials
- Textbooks
You must also consider housing, health insurance, food, and other personal expenses.
Discover what to expect in your first semester of nursing school.
Financial Aid for Nursing School: What Are Your Options?
The cost of nursing school might seem like a setback, but there are financial aid options.
Your first solution to applying for financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form opens the door to numerous types of financial aid for nursing school. It evaluates your eligibility for federal grants, which do not need to be repaid, and federal loans, which do. Although federal student loans must be repaid, they offer far more competitive interest rates and terms than private loans.
You’ll need to fill out and submit the FAFSA every year you’re in school. Each year, the FAFSA becomes available on Oct. 1. Since funding is often distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, it’s ideal to fill out the form as soon as possible. You cannot, however, submit it before you’re accepted to nursing school.
After submitting the FAFSA, you’ll receive a notice that lets you know what types of financial aid you may be eligible for.
Grants for Nursing School
Your FAFSA may determine your eligibility for Federal Pell Grants. The maximum award amount changes yearly. As of the 2025-2026 school year, the maximum award is $7,395. The amount you may be awarded depends on various factors, such as your demonstrated financial need and the cost of attendance. You may also be eligible for additional aid with a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
Scholarships for Nursing Students: How to Find and Apply for Nursing Scholarships
You might also be able to ease the cost of nursing school with nursing scholarships. Although full-ride scholarships are hard to get, one can possibly cover all nursing school costs. For example, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs.
The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances are of landing one or more, so don’t neglect the smaller scholarships.
Start looking for scholarships for nursing students on websites like Fastweb and BigFuture. Research the sites and scholarships before applying and be aware of scams.
Keeping track of all the nursing scholarships you apply to in a spreadsheet is a good idea. Use your spreadsheet tracker to monitor upcoming deadlines and amounts received. When applying, follow the application directions precisely, as deviating from them may result in an automatic rejection.
Work-Study Programs and Employer Tuition Assistance
What happens if I can’t afford tuition after financial aid? This is a common concern among future nursing students, but other options may be available. For example, you can explore work-study programs. Remember, however, that ABSN programs have an intense, fast-paced schedule, so most universities recommend students don’t work during their education.
Another possible option is employer tuition assistance. If you’re currently working for a healthcare organization, your employer might offer tuition reimbursement to employees who want to become RNs. Some non-healthcare employers might also offer tuition reimbursement for nursing school.
If you are considering accepting tuition reimbursement from your employer, it’s essential to read the stipulations first. For example, you may need to agree to work for your employer for a certain period after graduating.
Learn about the nursing school requirements at Utica University and plan your admission journey.
Combining Different Financial Aid Options to Minimize Debt
It’s common for nursing students to find themselves with some student loans after graduation. The most effective approach to minimizing your debt is tackling the issue from all angles.
Fill out the FAFSA annually and connect with the Office of Student Financial Services to explore additional options. Apply for grants and scholarships before nursing school starts and throughout your education.
If you need to take out loans, opt for federal student loans, as they offer better rates and terms. As a last resort, you should be able to cover any gaps in your funding with private loans. Before taking out any private loans, compare your options across different banks and credit unions to find the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms.
Utica University Keeps Nursing Education Affordable
At Utica University, we’re invested in your success. You can work with our financial aid specialists to develop a financial plan for your education. Then, once you’re enrolled, you can partner with an academic success coach to facilitate your progress through the curriculum.
Before worrying about your tuition costs, make sure you qualify for enrollment. If you have at least 65 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible to apply to Utica University’s ABSN program. Earn your B.S. in Nursing in as few as 16 months at our ABSN program sites in Syracuse and Albany.
Contact an admission representative today to get started.
