Online ADN/ASN Programs - Reviewing Most Affordable Schools

In light of the national nursing shortage, the profession could certainly use more people like you. Healthcare facilities project that this shortage will only worsen as Baby Boomers age and the need for care increases, meaning now is a great time to enter the field. Whether you’re training for your first career or considering a new one, an online associate degree in nursing (ADN) program can prepare you to land one of the 197,200 nursing jobs the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will open each year over the next decade.

ADN programs are a key part of schools’ strategies for addressing the nursing shortage, and a great place to start your journey to a nursing career. But they don’t do you much good if you can’t afford to attend them. That’s where we come in.

On this page, we’ll highlight some of today’s top affordable online associate nursing programs that provide the training you need while keeping education costs down. Keep reading to learn more about these programs, the fees that increase the price of nursing education, and the cost-cutting measures you can take when you enroll.

A Closer Look at the Cost of Attendance of Online ADN Programs

When you think about the cost of affordable online associate nursing programs, you may not think about anything beyond the sticker price of tuition. However, there are some additional fees associated with pursuing an online degree, and it’s important to understand them before you enroll. Take a closer look at what you can expect to pay for below.

How to Lower the Cost of Your Online ADN Program

The cost of an ADN program shouldn’t stand between you and your professional aspirations. Whether your dream school offers an affordable online associate nursing program or one that stretches your budget, there are always ways to cut costs even lower. To help you do so, we’ve put together a list of strategies that can make all the difference in affording your education.

Your FAQs About Affordable Online ADNs, Answered

If you still have questions about affordable online associate nursing programs, we have the answers. Here, we’ve collected some of the most frequently asked questions prospective students have about further costs, working and payment opportunities, and eligibility requirements as they consider ADNs and addressed them in detail below.

Are there additional costs, such as uniforms or equipment, associated with ADN programs?

It depends on the program you enroll in. Some schools include expenses like uniforms in their tuition rates, while others may charge students separately for them. As you research ADN programs, be sure to find out how the schools you’re interested in handle these expenses. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to call the department and ask.

Can I work while pursuing my ADN online?

Yes. However, you should be mindful of the degree of flexibility your program provides. Programs recognize that it can be difficult to go to nursing school while working, so many allow you to take classes asynchronously and watch lectures when your schedule allows. Other schools offer multiple start dates for classes, accelerated courses, and summer sessions to accommodate the needs of working students.

Do clinical placements pay students?

Whether or not you’ll be paid for your clinical placement depends on the school you enroll in. Generally, clinicals are unpaid positions that are considered part of your education, just like the coursework you take. However, some schools do offer payment for clinicals. For example, the associate degree offered by Wallace Community College includes an apprentice program where students get paid for the clinical hours they work.

What is the average cost of an online ADN program?

The average cost of an ADN is between $6,000 and $40,000 for the entire program. Programs at public schools are the most affordable, ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, while those at private schools can approach, or even exceed, $40,000.

What features does my program need for me to be eligible for financial aid?

Your individual eligibility requirements may include income level, academic achievement, and enrollment status, however, as a general rule, you must be enrolled in a program at an accredited institution to be eligible for federal financial aid.

Today’s Top Online ADN/ASN Programs

To narrow down the options for prospective professionals like you, our data scientists have compiled this ranked list of the best affordable schools for ADN students. The rankings were determined by combining various factors such as low costs, availability of student resources, and online learning components to ensure that we feature the most ideal schools that won’t break your budget. Take a look to see if the school on your radar made it’s way onto our list.