How Much Is Nursing School? Understanding Costs & Financial Aid

Investing in nursing school means investing in yourself—in your ambitions, your goals, and your future. With that in mind, it’s important to know how much the investment will cost you and to learn about the many ways to fund it. Galen offers a range of nursing programs, as well as various financial aid and assistance options. Figuring out the cost of your program so you can make educated decisions about what nursing degree you want to pursue is an essential step in your decision process. Galen College of Nursing is here to help you every step of the way, including breaking down financial aid terms you may be unfamiliar with.  

The first thing to decide about your nursing education is which program and campus you want to pursue. If you’re not sure which program is right for you, check out our full explainer on our program offerings. Not all Galen campuses offer the same programs, so be sure to check if the campus offers the program you are interested in. From there, determine the cost. At Galen, we are all about transparency when it comes to the cost of becoming a nurse. Below is a chart* of Galen’s tuition and fees by academic year and location: 

*This chart defines the annual cost and is subject to change. Please confirm costs with the Bursar’s office.

Galen College of Nursing accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions, allowing students to apply previously earned coursework toward their nursing degree. This can help reduce the time and cost required to complete your program while ensuring you stay on track for graduation. 

The next step in figuring out how much it costs to get your nursing degree is factoring in additional expenses outside of the tuition. Check out this article on other costs to consider to help you paint a full picture. As a student, you’ll need to buy textbooks, invest in supplies like scrubs, and purchase occasional equipment. Below is a list of programs and the other expenses associated with them:  

_{*This estimate excludes the cost of books, as that expense is included in the tuition cost for this program.}

Galen has your back every step of the way, from enrollment through graduation. This includes figuring out how much it will cost and how we can help make it both affordable and accessible. Whether you’re interested in pursuing financial aid, scholarships, or private loans, our Galen Enrollment Counselors will help you choose what’s best for you. After all, we know there are many things to consider when deciding which program and school is right for you and we want to help you succeed. 

There are many options when it comes to financial aid and scholarships. Financial aid is a broad term that refers to all of the ways you can receive financial support for your education. For a deeper dive, check out this explainer on financial aid definitions. Scholarships, on the other hand, are specifically money that does not need to be repaid and can be awarded based on things such as academic performance, talent, specific areas of study, or even financial need. While Galen College does not have a scholarship program, there are many other organizations that do provide these to students. One of the most popular forms of financial aid comes in the form a student loan, which typically is given through the federal government but can also come from a private lender. Student loan officers can help guide you through loans, from how to take them out to how much you need and even what repayment plans look like. 

Alternatively, if you already are working in nursing or some other form of healthcare, healthcare organizations may offer to cover all or part of your nursing school tuition. Often this will come in exchange for a work commitment after you graduate.  Make sure to check with your Human Resources representative.  If an HCA Healthcare facility employs you, eligible employees can receive up to $5,250 in tax-free reimbursement each year for higher education expenses. Talk to your employer or a Galen Enrollment Counselor to learn more.

When looking into financial aid, you’ll need to determine your eligibility for federal funding; below is a helpful financial aid checklist you can use to assist in this. 

Once this is all done, be sure to check your email often. If there is any other information Galen needs to finish up the financial aid package, we will be in contact with you! Once the financial aid award letter is completed, you will receive an email notification that it is ready for your review. You’ll then find it in the Student Self-Service Portal. 

To learn more about possible scholarships and what might be right for you, speak with your Galen Enrollment Counselor, who can help you navigate the options available. While Galen does not have a scholarship program through the college, there is a range of such scholarships available nationwide, many specifically for nurses. You can find a comprehensive list of scholarships near you and for you on studentaid.gov. In short, there is a range of scholarships available for you to apply to: General Nursing Scholarships, Location-Based Nursing Scholarships, & Other Nursing Scholarships. 

Academic scholarships can be life-changing for students. When Ulanda Campbell, a single mother of two, learned she earned the Next Generation Healer’s Scholarship, her reaction was unforgettable. “Oh my gosh. I was so excited. I was in class and screamed… It was life-changing.” Learn more about her story and the Next Generation Healer’s Scholarship. 

Private educational loans, also known as gap funding, do precisely that. They help fill the gaps in tuition and other expenses to help you reach your goals. It’s recommended that you make sure to look at federal grants, loan options, and scholarship opportunities before considering a private loan. Terms, conditions, and interest rates are set by your provider, who may require loan payments while you’re still in school. They can be more expensive than federal loans, and you’ll need credit approval and potentially a cosigner. Talk with a student loan officer or Galen Enrollment Counselor to see if this is the right path for you. 

There are free and public resources available to help you compare loans and find the best one for you. One option that many Galen students have had success with is FastChoice, a company that provides comparisons for you—you’ll then need to review each lender and their information. When reviewing, please take into consideration their interest rates, repayment terms, loan fees, and other important information before making a decision.  

If you plan to request federal student aid, review our three-step financial aid checklist above, or check out our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked finanical aid questions.  

Choosing Galen College of Nursing means more than just earning a degree—it’s an investment in a comprehensive, career-focused education built exclusively around nursing. Every program, resource, and support system is designed with one goal in mind: preparing you to succeed as a nurse. From experienced faculty who bring real-world healthcare experience to simulation labs and clinical partnerships, Galen provides the tools and hands-on practice that give students the confidence and skills needed to thrive in the real world of healthcare.  

Beyond academics, a Galen education offers access to a community of peers, mentors, and professional networks that help students grow personally and professionally. With small class sizes, individualized support, and guidance through every step of your journey—including financial aid, career placement, and licensure preparation—Galen ensures that your investment in nursing school translates into tangible results: readiness for the NCLEX, meaningful clinical experience, and a fulfilling career in nursing. It’s an education that pays dividends in both your professional growth and your ability to make a real difference in patients’ lives. 

Nursing needs you, and we want to help turn your dreams into a career. Whether you’re just thinking about getting into nursing or you’re already an RN looking to gain new skills and responsibilities, Galen can help make that happen. We can discuss options for completing a degree quickly or a more flexible timeline for students with outside commitments. Whatever you need, we’re here to support you.