Most Affordable LPN Programs Online

Affordable Online LPN Programs

Whether you’re looking for a stepping stone to RN certification or a launchpad into the workforce, earning an LPN certificate or diploma is valuable. Like many prospective nursing students, you might think this certification is out of reach because programs are too inflexible, don’t align with your schedule, or – most importantly – are too expensive. Fortunately, affordable online LPN programs are available; they can meet your needs without straining your budget.

Regardless of where you are in your search, you’ll want to consider a few key aspects before beginning an LPN program. These aspects include accreditation, financial aid, payment plans, and access to educational resources. If cost is your main concern, you should check out the three schools spotlighted below. Each one stands out in terms of tuition, financial aid, and low additional fees. Plus, they’re all online, which can cut down on transportation costs and allow you to better balance your nursing coursework with a full-time or part-time job.

Costs for Online and Hybrid LPN Programs

When choosing your LPN program, it’s important to know the signs of high-quality instruction and affordability. Reputable institutions will be accredited, offer financial aid and funding opportunities, and feature open access to program resources. These courses are often offered in an online or hybrid format.

Online and hybrid programs can be more affordable, which is reflected in their tuition cost. Plus, students can save on transportation costs and might be able to better balance online or hybrid programs with work, making it a better option overall for their finances. It’s important to note that some schools might charge an additional technology or distance-learning fee.

How to Reduce the Cost of an Online LPN Program

You can lower the cost of most high-quality LPN programs with financial planning. In addition to attending an affordable school like the ones ranked above, a number of creative ways to reduce the cost of your education are available.

Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More

The first step to make your LPN program more affordable is applying for scholarships and grants, as they can significantly lower your costs. You should apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible through federal, state, and university sources. In particular, you might want to focus on scholarships specifically designed for nursing students, like those from Ballad Health or Coursey Enterprises.

You should plan to apply to a certain number of scholarships and grants on a weekly or monthly basis to manage your applications effectively.

Maintain Part-Time Employment

With a flexible online LPN program, working adults can maintain part-time employment throughout the duration of their studies. Make sure your program offers asynchronous learning, so you can access your course materials at any time without compromising your work schedule. Before your first or next paycheck, it’s also a good idea to create a nursing school budget and set aside the money you’ll need for your program. Keep in mind that you’ll have to buy other essentials, like books, nursing equipment, and groceries, too.

Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement

As part of your employee benefits package, you might be eligible to receive partial or full tuition coverage for your LPN program. Your employer might cover any LPN program that you choose, but some employers partner with specific universities. If tuition assistance is not part of your benefits, you might make a pitch to your employer so you can take advantage of this opportunity. Keep these programs in mind after you become an LPN, as they can help fund LPN to RN bridge programs.

Utilize Free Certification Exam Prep Resources

In most states, LPNs have to take the NCLEX or another qualifying exam before they are licensed as a nurse. Studying for these exams is important, but it should not break the bank. Many schools offer free exam prep resources; you should ask about them before applying to a program. Some exam prep is available online, including questions and modules from Nurse Plus Academy and/or Kaplan Test Prep.

Most Affordable Online LPN Programs

The schools that are spotlighted above are great options, but they aren’t the only online LPN programs that offer affordability and rigorous academics. The schools that are listed below also stand out in terms of cost; they were ranked based on tuition price, average amount of institutional aid, and the percentage of nursing students who receive a financial award. You can learn more about how these schools were chosen and ranked by clicking “About the Rankings” below.