Cheapest Nursing Schools 2026: Affordable BSN Programs Worth Attending
by EDsmart Staff · Updated July 2026
Cheapest nursing schools on this page are U.S. colleges with bachelor’s registered nursing programs, ranked by College Scorecard average net price after grants (EDsmart methodology). CUNY Hunter College leads at $2,984 (overall grade B+), followed by CUNY Lehman College at $3,148 and Texas A&M International University at $3,637. Net price is institutional cost after aid, not nursing-only tuition.
If your goal is the lowest-cost path to becoming an RN, an in-state ADN followed by an RN-to-BSN is often cheaper than a four-year BSN. Use this ranking when you’re comparing affordable direct-entry BSN programs. Before choosing a school, verify its CCNE or ACEN nursing accreditation, recent NCLEX-RN pass rates, and clinical placement opportunities.
Key facts
- These 15 schools range from $2,984 to $5,652 in average net price.
- Average net price does not include nursing program fees.
- Lower net price doesn’t always mean lower overall cost if graduation is delayed.
Table of contents
How to use this article
Scan average net price first, then match a campus to your location, completion risk, and earnings goals.
- Narrow your list → How to choose
- Weigh cost vs. risk → Lowest price isn’t always best value
- Compare schools → table and EDsmart’s take
- Read why each campus fits → school cards
How to Choose an Affordable Nursing School Worth Attending
Price gets you on a shortlist. Accreditation, licensure outcomes, and clinical access decide whether the degree is usable.
How to narrow a nursing school list
Checklist
- Cost — ADN vs. BSN, in-state aid, and Scorecard average net price after grants.
- Accreditation — CCNE or ACEN for the nursing program, not only the university.
- NCLEX — Recent first-time pass rates from the school or state board.
- Clinicals — Placement sites secured for your cohort size.
- Outcomes — Earnings, commute, waitlists, and support.
Understand how students enter the nursing program. At many universities, students are admitted first as pre-nursing majors and must later compete for a limited number of clinical seats based on prerequisite courses and GPA. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Before applying, ask how students move into the nursing major, what the typical acceptance rate is, and whether qualified applicants are ever placed on a waitlist.
How We Rank These Schools
Average net price
We sort by College Scorecard average net price: what undergraduates typically pay after scholarships and grants. The U.S. Department of Education maintains Scorecard and reports aid-adjusted costs from federal data, not marketing sticker tuition. That is the same affordability signal used in our other cheapest lists and in the Affordability pillar of our April 2026 rankings methodology.
Who was included
Positive Scorecard net price; bachelor’s registered nursing (CIP 51.38); main campus in the 50 states or D.C.; graduation rate reported. Lowest net price first. EDsmart grades are context only—they do not change the sort.
What this doesn’t measure
Nursing-only tuition, clinical fees, or NCLEX pass rates. Check those on the school’s nursing pages and your state board site.
The Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Best Value
A lower net price can still cost more if you delay graduation, retake courses, or fail the NCLEX on the first try. Two pairs from this ranking make the tradeoff concrete.
CUNY Hunter College
Avg. net price: $2,984
Graduation rate: 56.9%
Median earnings: $73,236
Lowest price on the list and the strongest earnings figure here.
CUNY York College
Avg. net price: $4,456
Graduation rate: 32.2%
Median earnings: $61,389
Still inexpensive—but a much higher chance of delayed completion.
Cal State San Bernardino
Avg. net price: $4,564
Overall grade: A-
Graduation rate: 54.9%
Slightly higher price, stronger overall grade and completion odds.
Dalton State College
Avg. net price: $5,012
Overall grade: B-
Graduation rate: 25.3%
Close on price—much weaker completion signal in Scorecard data.
Paying a little more can be the cheaper path if it raises your odds of finishing on time.
EDsmart’s Take
Based on the same ranking data, these schools stand out for different reasons. This is editorial judgment—not a second sort order.
- Strongest overall value: CUNY Hunter College — lowest net price and highest median earnings on this list.
- Best California balance of cost and grades: Cal State San Bernardino (A-, $4,564).
- Highest retention: UT Rio Grande Valley (81.1%).
- Lowest California net price: Cal State LA ($3,967).
- Best Texas opener outside CUNY: Texas A&M International ($3,637).
Compare 15 Affordable Nursing Schools (2026)
Ordered by average net price after grants. Use retention and graduation rate to stress-test the lowest-price rows. Confirm CCNE or ACEN nursing accreditation separately—Scorecard does not replace that check.
| # | School | Location | Avg. net price | Overall | Afford. | Retention | Grad rate | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CUNY Hunter College | New York, NY | $2,984 | B+ | A | 77.6% | 56.9% | $73,236 |
| 2 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | $3,148 | B | A+ | 73.1% | 51.3% | $63,353 |
| 3 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo, TX | $3,637 | B+ | A+ | 77.8% | 46.5% | $50,288 |
| 4 | CUNY City College | New York, NY | $3,776 | B+ | A+ | 79.3% | 56.8% | $67,740 |
| 5 | California State University, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | $3,967 | B+ | A+ | 71.9% | 53.0% | $59,756 |
| 6 | Indiana University-Kokomo | Kokomo, IN | $3,968 | B | A- | 69.3% | 45.6% | $54,618 |
| 7 | CUNY York College | Jamaica, NY | $4,456 | C | A | 57.4% | 32.2% | $61,389 |
| 8 | California State University, San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | $4,564 | A- | A | 79.6% | 54.9% | $55,441 |
| 9 | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | $4,831 | A- | A+ | 81.1% | 50.9% | $53,888 |
| 10 | Eastern New Mexico University | Portales, NM | $4,904 | B- | A- | 62.0% | 45.1% | $54,827 |
| 11 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $5,012 | B- | A | 70.9% | 25.3% | $52,160 |
| 12 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $5,127 | C+ | A | 64.9% | 21.5% | $64,145 |
| 13 | Indiana University-Northwest | Gary, IN | $5,130 | B | A | 71.4% | 37.4% | $59,535 |
| 14 | College of Staten Island (CUNY) | Staten Island, NY | $5,579 | B- | A | 75.7% | 33.9% | $65,495 |
| 15 | California State University, Bakersfield | Bakersfield, CA | $5,652 | A- | A | 78.8% | 49.8% | $59,109 |
Online Nursing Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
School Cards: Why Choose Each Campus
Each card answers who the school is for. Stats are College Scorecard and EDsmart grades.
CUNY Hunter College
Best for: Students who want the strongest payoff without leaving New York
CUNY Hunter College — If you’re trying to stay in New York and still keep debt low, Hunter is the clearest starting point on this list. It posts the lowest average net price here ($2,984) and the highest median earnings ($73,236). Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: New York, NY
CUNY Lehman College
Best for: Bronx families who need a public BSN close to home
CUNY Lehman College — Living in or near the Bronx changes the math. Lehman’s $3,148 net price and A+ affordability grade make it a practical commute campus when Manhattan seats or waitlists don’t fit your life. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Bronx, NY
Texas A&M International University
Best for: South Texas students who want a low-cost public BSN near the border
Texas A&M International University — Among Texas public universities on this list, Texas A&M International is the cheapest opener at $3,637. It is built for students rooted in Laredo or the Rio Grande region who need a mainland BSN without a big flagship bill. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Laredo, TX
CUNY City College
Best for: NYC students who want another strong CUNY option if Hunter is too competitive
CUNY City College — Not every New York applicant lands Hunter. City College’s $3,776 net price and 79.3% retention rate give you another CUNY path with steadier stay-on-track odds than several cheaper peers. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: New York, NY
California State University, Los Angeles
Best for: Los Angeles-area residents hunting the lowest Cal State net price
California State University, Los Angeles — For commuters in Los Angeles, Cal State LA is the price leader among California schools here ($3,967). Use it when geography and Scorecard cost matter most. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Indiana University-Kokomo
Best for: Students looking for a regional Indiana campus with IU credentials
Indiana University-Kokomo — Students looking for a regional Indiana campus often overlook Kokomo. IU Kokomo’s $3,968 net price brings an Indiana University nursing path without moving to Bloomington or Indianapolis. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Kokomo, IN
CUNY York College
Best for: Queens students who prioritize sticker cost—and will scrutinize completion risk
CUNY York College — York keeps average net price at $4,456, but its 32.2% graduation rate is a red flag. Choose it only if location and price win and you have a concrete plan to finish on time. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Jamaica, NY
California State University, San Bernardino
Best for: California residents balancing cost and overall outcomes
California State University, San Bernardino — California residents balancing cost and graduation outcomes should look hard at San Bernardino. An A- overall grade at $4,564 is the strongest grade-to-price mix among Cal States on this list. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: San Bernardino, CA
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Best for: South Texas students who want better retention with an A- grade
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — If staying enrolled matters as much as tuition, UTRGV stands out: 81.1% retention, an A- overall grade, and a $4,831 net price. Strong for Edinburg-area students who want more than the absolute lowest sticker. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Edinburg, TX
Eastern New Mexico University
Best for: Rural New Mexico students who need a lean public budget
Eastern New Mexico University — Portales is not a coastal metro—and that is the point. Eastern New Mexico’s $4,904 net price fits students who need a rural public BSN path and can make the campus commute work. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Portales, NM
Dalton State College
Best for: Northwest Georgia residents comparing price before outcomes
Dalton State College — Dalton State looks cheap at $5,012, but a 25.3% graduation rate means you should dig into nursing-program completion data before celebrating the net price. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Dalton, GA
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Best for: Brooklyn students who will trade completion risk for CUNY pricing
CUNY New York City College of Technology — City Tech’s $5,127 net price and $64,145 median earnings look appealing on a spreadsheet. The 21.5% graduation rate does not. Ask blunt questions about nursing progression support. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Indiana University-Northwest
Best for: Northwest Indiana / Chicago-adjacent students who want IU nursing
Indiana University-Northwest — Gary-area and Chicago-adjacent students get a B overall grade and a $5,130 net price at IU Northwest. It is less about winning the cheapest race and more about local clinicals plus an IU credential. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Gary, IN
College of Staten Island (CUNY)
Best for: Staten Island students who want CUNY without Manhattan logistics
College of Staten Island (CUNY) — Staten Island changes the commute equation. College of Staten Island’s $5,579 net price and $65,495 median earnings keep costs in the affordable band while you stay borough-local. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Staten Island, NY
California State University, Bakersfield
Best for: Central Valley students who want an A- Cal State without coastal prices
California State University, Bakersfield — In the Central Valley, Cal State Bakersfield closes the Top 15 at $5,652 with an A- overall grade. A solid California value pick when you want better cohort grades than the absolute cheapest options. Verify current nursing admission requirements, clinical placement availability, and first-time NCLEX pass rates before applying.
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Before you apply
- Confirm the nursing admission process (pre-nursing, secondary admission, GPA thresholds, cohort size)
- Check CCNE or ACEN nursing program accreditation
- Verify recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
- Review clinical placement rules and waitlists
- Confirm current nursing tuition, lab fees, and clinical costs
- Run the school’s net price calculator with your own aid inputs
ADN vs. BSN: Which Is Cheaper?
An in-state ADN is often the lowest-cost route to RN eligibility. Many nurses then finish a BSN online or part time. A direct BSN costs more upfront but can help with Magnet hiring and graduate school sooner.
This page compares BSN-granting schools by institutional net price. If your goal is the lowest cost to sit for the NCLEX-RN, start with community colleges, then compare RN-to-BSN options against the schools above.
Demand and Pay for Registered Nurses
Affordability matters more when the credential leads to steady work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earned a median of $93,600 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings each year on average—many from replacement as nurses retire or change jobs.
Scorecard median earnings on this list are school-level outcomes for undergraduates, not BLS occupational medians. Use BLS for national pay context, then check your state’s board of nursing and local hospital wages before you borrow.
Tuition-Free and Scholarship Pathways
Some universities and employers waive nursing tuition in exchange for residency, income, or post-graduation service. These are not the same as low Scorecard net price. Confirm current eligibility before you count on “free.”
- UR Nursing Scholars (University of Rochester): full tuition for the 12-month accelerated BSN for eligible students, with a three-year work commitment at participating UR Medicine hospitals (extended through 2027).
- UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund: covers in-state tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying full-time BSN students (Texas resident, no prior bachelor’s, adjusted gross income under $100,000; books and other costs still apply).
- Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (HRSA): tuition help plus a stipend, with service at a critical-shortage facility after graduation.
- Hospital–university partnerships that cover ADN or BSN costs for a local work commitment after licensure (terms change by employer and year).
“Free” usually means strings: GPA, residency, FAFSA codes, or repayment if you leave early. Read the contract and ask what fees remain uncovered.
Online and RN-to-BSN Options
Pre-licensure BSN programs almost always need in-person clinicals. Fully online paths are more common for licensed RNs finishing a BSN (RN-to-BSN).
Do not confuse this ranking with lists that sort by published online tuition. Those pages often highlight in-state sticker rates for online RN-to-BSN tracks—sometimes in the low thousands per year. This page uses College Scorecard average net price for institutions with a bachelor’s registered nursing program. A low published online tuition can still leave you paying more after fees, or it may apply only if you already hold an RN license.
For RN-to-BSN shopping, start with our cheapest RN-to-BSN programs guide. For outcomes context across nursing colleges, see the FAQ on America’s best colleges for nursing.
Online Nursing Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest nursing school in 2026?
Among U.S. schools with a bachelor’s registered nursing program in College Scorecard, CUNY Hunter College posts the lowest average net price on this list at $2,984 after grants. Your bill still depends on aid, residency, and nursing fees.
Is average net price the same as nursing tuition?
No. Average net price is an institution-wide Scorecard figure for undergraduates who received grant aid. Nursing labs, clinicals, and testing fees are often extra.
Are community colleges cheaper than these BSN schools?
Often yes for the first RN license. An in-state ADN can cost less than a four-year BSN. Many nurses then complete an RN-to-BSN. This page compares BSN-granting colleges by Scorecard net price.
Do I need a BSN to become an RN?
No. An ADN or diploma can make you eligible for the NCLEX-RN. Many employers prefer a BSN for advancement, and some Magnet hospitals prioritize BSN-prepared nurses.
How should I check nursing program accreditation?
Confirm institutional accreditation in the U.S. Department of Education’s DAPIP database, then confirm nursing program accreditation with CCNE or ACEN. Also check your state board of nursing for NCLEX rules.
Is published online RN-to-BSN tuition the same as average net price?
No. Published online tuition is usually a sticker rate for a specific RN-to-BSN track (often in-state). Average net price on this page is a College Scorecard institution-wide figure after grants for undergraduates who received aid. Use online tuition lists when you already have an RN license; use this ranking when comparing affordable BSN-granting campuses by Scorecard net price.
Is nursing school worth the cost?
For many students, yes—if you finish, pass the NCLEX, and keep debt in check. BLS reports a $93,600 median for registered nurses (May 2024) and about 189,100 openings a year on average through 2034. Scorecard median earnings on this list often land lower because they measure school-level undergraduate outcomes, not national RN wages. Worth it still depends on your net price, completion odds, and local job market—not the sticker alone.
Related Guides
- EDsmart rankings methodology
- Cheapest RN-to-BSN programs
- What are America’s best colleges for nursing?
- Cheapest online colleges
- CUNY Hunter College school profile
- Best colleges for nursing by ROI (EDsmart Data)
- Nursing Practice degrees (EDsmart Data)
- Nursing Science degrees (EDsmart Data)
- More nursing degree data on EDsmart Data
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (institution and Field of Study data, June 2026); EDsmart rankings (April 2026); EDsmart Data nursing degree and ROI reports; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses; University of Rochester UR Nursing Scholars; UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund; HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program; CCNE and ACEN program directories; StudentAid.gov FAFSA.
Last updated July 2026. Net prices and grades reflect EDsmart’s current rankings data; confirm nursing program costs and NCLEX outcomes directly with each school before applying.
