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Attending school as a full-time student while holding down a job is a challenging endeavor. Not only does earning a degree require a significant time commitment, but it also can be costly financially.

Current working professionals considering pursuing a nursing degree may be wondering how to manage it all as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Fortunately, some nursing programs are available in a format that emphasizes flexibility, such as the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.

Those researching how to pay for an ABSN program will find there are numerous ways to save on tuition costs and make the expense more manageable. By learning about modern nursing programs for working professionals and the most relevant cost-saving strategies, adult learners can discover a practical and affordable approach to earning their degree.

What Is an ABSN Program?

A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program takes four years to complete, and students attend classroom lectures and labs in person. However, with the advent of technology and a few key programmatic innovations, the face of nursing education has changed.

An ABSN program is designed specifically for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and want to pursue a nursing career without starting from scratch. These programs offer a fast track to becoming a registered nurse (RN) and typically can be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on the institution.

ABSN programs cover a comprehensive range of subjects, including the following:

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Pharmacology

• Pathophysiology

• Nursing theory and ethics

• Patient care and clinical assessment

• Health promotion and disease prevention

• Nursing research and leadership

• Hands-on clinical experiences in various health care settings

What makes ABSN programs particularly appealing to adult learners and working professionals is the flexibility in their course delivery. Many ABSN programs offer hybrid or online coursework, as well as classes that are held outside of traditional hours.

How Much Does an ABSN Program Cost?

Before examining how to pay for an ABSN program, it’s important to understand the costs involved. The tuition for ABSN programs is usually between $15,000 and $70,000, and varies significantly depending on factors such as the program’s length, the geographic location of the institution, the type of institution (public or private), and the program’s delivery format (online or in person). Tuition rates for out-of-state students are also usually higher than for in-state residents.

There are additional expenses beyond tuition to consider as well, such as the following:

• Textbooks and lab fees

• Uniforms and medical equipment

• Transportation to clinical sites

• Licensing exam fees

Individuals evaluating ABSN programs should look beyond the cost of tuition and consider all the factors, as this yields a far more accurate estimate. They also should confirm that their chosen program is accredited, or they risk investing in a program that isn’t recognized by health care organizations or could be one that wouldn’t be accepted for further education.

Is an ABSN Program Worth It?

Completing an ABSN program requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money. With that in mind, is an ABSN program worth it? There are multiple ways to answer this question.

First, nursing is a personally and professionally rewarding career in health care. Although nurses’ jobs are by no means easy, many RNs view their work as meaningful and appreciate that it allows them to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Nurses also enjoy long-term career stability. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of registered nurses will grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the national average growth projected for all occupations. The BLS also projects that employment of nurse practitioners (NPs) — advanced practice nurses who need a master’s degree — will grow by 46% during the same period.

Nurses do quite well from a salary perspective as well, with the BLS reporting that the median annual wage for nurses in May 2024 was $93,600. Registered nurses in the top 10% of earners made over $135,000 per year in 2024. The BLS reports that NPs had a median annual salary of $129,210 per year in 2024, with the highest paid NPs making over $217,270.

How to Pay For an ABSN Program

Determining how to pay for an ABSN program is a significant consideration for aspiring students. When tuition, textbooks, and other fees are factored in, the upfront cost of earning an ABSN may feel intimidating.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways students can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses using scholarships and grants. Nursing students can also apply for loans that allow them to spread out the cost over time.

The following resources provide information on how to make an ABSN program more affordable and financially convenient.

Scholarships

Scholarships are the best way to finance any educational endeavor, as they don’t require repayment. Because the demand for nurses is so high, a generous supply of nursing scholarships is currently available. The challenge is putting in the time to research and apply for them.

Most scholarships are based on:

• Academic achievement

• Financial need

• Demographic background (e.g., veterans, underrepresented minorities)

• Commitment to serve in a rural or underserved area

ABSN students can usually find scholarships through:

• School-based awards offered by the nursing program

• National organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) or the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA)

• Hospital or employer-sponsored scholarships for current employees

• Community foundations and nonprofit health care initiatives

Scholarship Resources

Following are examples of scholarships that are available to pay for nursing education tuition costs and relevant expenses:

• Scrubin Uniforms: This AACN scholarship supports nursing students at the baccalaureate level and above. The scholarship provides $2,500 three times per year.

• Hurst Review: This scholarship recognizes entry-level nursing students who demonstrate a commitment to academic performance, with students required to maintain a 3.2 GPA or higher. Recipients of the scholarship receive $2,500, distributed twice yearly.

• QGenda: This scholarship is available to nursing students in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level nursing program. Among the eligibility requirements: students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher, provide one academic or professional reference, and submit a short essay about nursing. Recipients receive $5,000.

• Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes future leaders who are enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s level nursing program. Eligibility requirements include at least a 2.0 GPA and demonstrating financial need. The award ranges from $2,500 to $10,000.

• CEUfast: This scholarship selects one undergraduate student and one graduate student per year, awarding them $1,000 and $5,000, respectively. Nursing students must have completed at least one semester in their nursing program and submit a nursing-focused educational essay to be eligible.

• National Black Nurses Association (NBNA): Starting at $1,000, NBNA scholarships are available to nursing students at all levels. To be eligible, students must be NBNA members, submit two letters of recommendation, and provide a two-page personal statement.

• Banyan Scholarship for Working Students: This $1,000 scholarship recognizes working students who are pursuing a career in health care or a related field. Students must verify their employment and demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness to be eligible.

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): The HSF selects 10,000 scholars per year and awards them scholarships that range from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage, have a 3.0 high school GPA or higher, and meet U.S. residency requirements.

• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Offered through the Health Resources and Services Administration, this scholarship pays for tuition and other relevant educational costs. It also provides a monthly stipend. In return, graduates must work for a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses.

• Oncology Nursing Foundation (ONF): This foundation awards multiple scholarships to nursing students at the bachelor’s level and above. Scholarships range from $3,000 to $7,500. Students must fill out an application and meet the foundation’s eligibility requirements to be considered.

• Annual Senior Care Scholarship: This scholarship is available to a nursing student at any level who plans on pursuing a health care career that supports older adults. Applicants must submit an essay with their application to be considered.

• Johnson & Johnson: This website acts as a central hub of nursing scholarships that features search and filtering options to view opportunities by location, degree level, or eligibility requirements.

Grants and Fellowships

Students evaluating how to pay for an ABSN program can explore grants and fellowships. Scholarships, grants, and fellowships do not require repayment and are often awarded based on financial need or specific qualifications. These funds can cover tuition, books, fees, and sometimes even living expenses.

Examples of grants and fellowships for students include:

• Federal Pell Grants: These are educational funds made available through the U.S. Department of Education.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs): These grants are exclusively awarded to undergraduate students who can prove they have an exceptional monetary need.

• State-specific aid: This type of financial assistance supports students who meet the eligibility requirements of state-specific programs and who can demonstrate financial need. For example, aspiring nurses can find state-specific aid opportunities in Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Eligibility requirements differ by state and program.

• Organization-specific grants and fellowships: This type of financial assistance is available through recognized nursing and health care organizations that are committed to financially supporting students as they advance in the field. The AACN, for example, is one such organization that promotes numerous nursing grants and fellowships through its various partnerships.

Loan Forgiveness

Individuals interested in how to pay for an ABSN program likely realize that sometimes loans are a necessity. However, repayment can be made manageable, especially for those who qualify for loan forgiveness programs. These programs reduce or eliminate student loan debt if certain requirements are met; typically, these requirements involve working in an underserved area or for a qualifying institution.

Loan forgiveness examples include:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): This is available to nurses who work full time for a nonprofit or government health care organization. Applicants must make at least 120 qualifying monthly payments under the terms of an accepted repayment plan to be eligible.

• Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: This program repays a portion of a nurse’s nursing school loans in exchange for them working in a critical shortage facility.

• State-based loan forgiveness programs: Many states offer their own loan forgiveness programs to encourage nurses to work in one of the state’s rural or underserved communities.

For those who must take out loans, understanding the eligibility for loan forgiveness and other aspects of loan repayment is essential to the financial planning process. Taking the time to strategize decreases the likelihood of becoming overburdened by loan payments.

Additional Aid

If scholarships, grants, and forgiveness options don’t cover the full cost of an ABSN program for a nursing student, other forms of financial assistance may still be available to them. Following are some examples:

• Federal student loans: Available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, federal loans typically have lower interest rates than private loans. They also normally have more flexible repayment terms. Direct subsidized loans award up to $5,500 per year, while unsubsidized loans award up to $20,500 per year. Direct PLUS loans are available for parents who are borrowing money on behalf of their dependents, eligible professionals, or graduate students.

• Employer tuition assistance: Some hospitals and health care employers have tuition reimbursement programs for their employees who pursue further nursing education.

• Private student loans: These loans are available through banks, credit unions, and private organizations. They should only be considered after exhausting all other options, as these institutions often set the most unfavorable repayment terms with the highest interest rates.

Switch Careers With Confidence by Understanding How to Pay for an ABSN Program

Completing an ABSN program can be an efficient way for working professionals to transition into the nursing profession with a BSN credential in a relatively short time. Nurses with a BSN have a high earning potential, many career options, and opportunities for advancement, making the value of earning an ABSN degree clear.

Knowing how to pay for an ABSN program, whether it’s through scholarships, grants, loan forgiveness, or a combination of methods, can set the tone and timeline for your financial security. By reducing your financial obligation to a minimum, you can achieve gainful employment on the fastest timeline after graduating from an ABSN program.