There are dozens of reasons why you may have chosen to pursue a nursing career, from the opportunity to make a positive impact on your community to the chance to learn more about a fascinating specialty.

Regardless of your reasoning, there are a few steps you have to take between deciding to go after nursing and working directly with patients. In addition to obtaining education, training, clinical experience, and licensure, you will also need to figure out how to pay for nursing school. Consider additional costs and loan interest rates, and you can see why this could be a leading concern for many hopeful RNs.

Fortunately, there are plenty of financial resources available for aspiring nursing students. Below, you will find six valuable avenues worth exploring.

Nursing Programs

#1. Start With a Financial Plan

Your first step in discovering how to get nursing school paid for?

Estimating the total nursing school cost—and this extends beyond the cost of tuition. To understand how much funding you may need, consider these factors:¹

• Tuition – Tuition will likely be the biggest cost you will face on your journey to becoming a registered nurse. It might also go without saying that tuition costs vary dramatically from program to program. A few questions to ask yourself include: 
  • Should I attend a community college, a state college, or a private university?
  • Should I aim for a graduate degree in nursing (such as a master of science in nursing, nurse executive) or start off with a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN)? 
  • What rewards might I find in an accelerated nursing program?

In other words, perform due diligence and conduct your research. You might also want
to connect with admission counselors at the nursing schools that interest you.

• Living expenses – Perhaps you have saved for nursing school for years. Or maybe you are fresh out of high school, and you are eager to jumpstart your education as soon as possible. Either way, it is just as crucial to weigh your cost of living—a figure that is determined by your lifestyle, housing costs, food costs, utilities, healthcare costs, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses (such as clothing and entertainment).² Just like tuition costs, living costs vary.
  
  Alliant International University, for example, offers several nursing programs in Phoenix, Arizona. Some Arizona residents find the cost of living in Phoenix to be challenging, but between its sunny skies and lively atmosphere, you might find that it complements your nursing education. What’s more, there are several ways to reduce your living costs. Selecting a shorter program, cooking meals at home (rather than dining out), and sharing a home with another nursing student may help you save money and decrease your expenses.
• Miscellaneous costs – Nursing students may also have to pay for several “extras.” Uniforms (namely, scrubs for clinical training), textbooks, and accessories like stethoscopes should also be included in your education budget.

Once you have a rough estimate of these expenses, you can begin to examine where and how you might secure the funding you’ll need.

#2. Explore Financial Aid Options for Nursing Students

There are a number of financial aid options available to nursing students. In fact, experts suggest that nursing students should start by searching for federal financial aid options.³

Does FAFSA cover nursing school? Yes, it does. Begin with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Used by the Department of Education (DOE) to evaluate a student’s need for financial assistance, it can help you find and lock in a federal student loan (both subsidized and unsubsidized), a Pell Grant, nursing scholarships (which we’ll dive into below), and more.⁴

So, how can you fill out the FAFSA effectively? Start by creating an account with StudentAid.gov. Then, get your documents ready, including:

• Proof of your net worth
• The current state of your financial health (i.e., the amounts in your checking and savings accounts)
• Tax returns
• Records of child support, if applicable

You might also want to look into state-specific nursing grants. If you’re presently a resident of Arizona, for instance, you may want to explore the Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP), a program designed for low-income nursing students.⁵

The more you explore the world of loan options for nursing students, the more you may find yourself asking, How do federal loans differ from private loans? And what are the pros and cons of each? ⁶

• A federal loan generally offers borrowers a bunch of protection and special perks, from income-driven repayment plans to extended deferment (and even forbearance). However, you might not be able to borrow enough to support your nursing education.
• A private loan, meanwhile, tends to have higher interest rates. They may also require a credit check. That said, depending on the lender, you might be able to arrange a flexible nursing student loan repayment plan.

It is worth noting that some students choose to rely on a mix of federal student loans and private financial assistance.

#3. Scholarships for Nursing Students

Another possibility when trying to figure out how to pay for nursing school? Applying for a scholarship.

Aspiring nursing students may want to research both “in-house” (or university-specific) and external scholarships.

Alliant International University, for example, gives nursing students the chance to apply for a variety of scholarships. These include the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Future Nurses Scholarship. At the same time, some of the biggest names in healthcare offer scholarship opportunities for nursing students, including:

• CVS
• Johnson & Johnson
• Tylenol
• American Red Cross

Keep in mind that scholarships of any kind are based on availability, which can change over time. Additionally, it is important to know that some scholarships are open to all nursing (and college) students. Others, though, are designed for specific nursing niches, degree levels, memberships, and more. It’s recommended to check with these organizations or your university financial aid officer for the most up-to-date information.

#4. Work-Study Programs and Part-Time Job Options

Day-to-day expenses—from emergency coffee runs to a new pair of scrubs—are more or less inescapable for nursing students (and many people, really).

This is where a work-study program or a part-time job might prove to be super helpful.⁷

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program was established to help students earn while they learn. Designed to align with a student’s academic schedule, they generally encompass both on-campus and off-site positions. These may include:

• Private nonprofit organizations
• Private for-profit organizations
• Federal, state, or local public agencies

It is important to note here that 7% of your school’s FWS time must be devoted to a community service job, such as tutoring elementary students or boosting your city’s emergency preparedness and response.

For nursing students, work-study programs could be an excellent way to further their education and enhance their resume. A work-study and/or part-time job specifically within healthcare, may provide you with a deeper understanding of the field you are interested in and prepare you well for the rigors of the profession.

Afraid that working part-time (or more or less) may interfere with your studies?

It is an understandable concern. Luckily, there may be ways to balance your work commitments and academic responsibilities. Some helpful tips for nursing students in their first year include:⁸

• Establishing (and following) a routine that balances your education and your job
• Practicing time management
• Focusing on single-tasking, as opposed to juggling several things at once
• Blocking out time for certain responsibilities, like studying for a test or learning a new nursing skill
• Scheduling downtime to relax and recharge

#5. Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

Here’s some more good news: Some employers may offer to help with educational costs (like tuition) if you commit to working for the organization for a predetermined amount of time.⁹

The amount of assistance you may be eligible to receive differs from employer to employer. You can look into available nursing positions within your area. For example, Phoenix has several hospitals that may offer tuition reimbursement while you finish your nursing degree.

#6. Alternative Funding Sources for Nursing Students

Loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs (among any other financial aid option) aren’t your only paths toward financing your nursing education. No matter your circumstances, you may want to consider alternative forms of funding, like:

• Crowdfunding, such as GoFundMe
• Family contributions
• Your personal savings
• Military/veteran affairs benefits (if applicable)

Also, several organizations offer grants to specific populations.¹⁰ Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students—a federally-backed program that supplies assistance to qualified students—is just one example from a pool of many.

How Our University Helps You Afford Nursing School

Alliant International University pairs aspiring students like you with compassionate counselors who will walk you through your financial aid options and help you find the best package available.

Alliant also offers ongoing support from start to finish. The Student Support Program, in particular, helps students navigate life’s major stressors through 24/7 hotline support, health monitoring, legal services, and more.

Ready to Fund Your Nursing Career?

From Pell Grants to federal work-study programs, there are a handful of ways to finance your dreams of becoming a registered nurse. The trick is to plan ahead and reach out for assistance when you need it.

Alliant International University strives to make obtaining financial aid as painless as possible. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing or a master’s, the admissions counselors at Alliant can provide you with one-on-one support and care throughout your educational journey.

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Sources: 

1. Nursing School cost | paying for nursing school. https://nursing.study.com/resources/how-to-pay-for-nursing-school. Accessed November 14, 2024.
2.  “Cost of Living Calculator - Cost of Living Comparison Index Tool.” Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/. Accessed November 13, 2024. 
3.   Federal Student Aid. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/pro-tips. Accessed November 13, 2024.
4.  “Guide to Financial Aid and Scholarships for Nurses.” NurseJournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-gr…. Accessed November 13, 2024. 
5. See, Caitlin. “Top Arizona Student Loan and Refinance Options.” Student Loan Planner, September 17, 2024. https://www.studentloanplanner.com/arizona-student-loan-refinance/. Accessed November 13, 2024. 
6. Martin, Allison. “Federal vs. Private Student Loans.” Bankrate, November 5, 2024. https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/federal-vs-private-student…. Accessed November 13, 2024. 
7. “What Is Federal Work-Study? Everything You Need to Know Beforehand.” Forbes, March 8, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/student-resources/is-work-stud…. Accessed November 13, 2024.
8. “How Can You Balance Both School and Work as a Nursing Student?” NursingEducation, April 24, 2024. https://nursingeducation.org/insights/balancing-school-and-work/. Accessed November 13, 2024.
9. Deligiannis, Nick. “Hospitals Offering Free CNA Training in Phoenix.” CNA Classes in Phoenix, June 1, 2024. https://cnaclassesphoenix.com/hospitals-offering-free-cna-training-in-p…. Accessed November 13, 2024.
10. “Grants for Nursing Students.” College Scholarships.org. https://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/nursing.htm. Accessed November 14, 2024.