How Much is Nursing School?

Tuition Estimates by Program Type 

The first thing to decide about your nursing education is which program 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.

Transfer Credits

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. 

Additional Costs to Consider

The next step in figuring out how much it costs to get your nursing degree is factoring in additional expenses outside of the tuition. 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.}

How Galen Makes Nursing School Affordable and Accessible

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 Enrollment Counselors will help you choose what’s best for you.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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.

A scholarship, on the other hand, 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 our 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. 

If you’re already working in nursing or some other form of healthcare, your employer may offer to cover part or all 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.

Financial Aid

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. 

• Submit Your FAFSA: Start by going to studentaid.gov and log-in using your FSA ID. Galen’s school code is 015924. Be sure to have your SSN and tax information on hand! 

• Submit Required Documents: Go to your Galen Student Self-Service Portal to finish out the financial aid requirements. You’ll receive an email that has your login information within 24-48 hours of confirming your program and term start with your Galen Enrollment Counselor.  

• Complete Loan Documents: The last step is to submit your Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note! Return to studentaid.gov once more and log-in with your FSA ID. Go to Complete Loan Counseling and follow the instructions laid out for you. If you are a first-time loan borrower, you’ll complete Entrance Counseling. If you’re a returning loan borrower, you’ll complete either the Financial Awareness Counseling or Entrance Counseling. To finish up, you’ll go to Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) and follow the instructions labeled Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans. 

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’s ready for your review. You’ll then find it in the Student Self-Service Portal. 

Scholarship Opportunities

To learn more about possible scholarships and what might be right for you, speak with your Galen Enrollment Counselor. They can help you navigate all the available options. 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 and 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 Loan Options

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.  

Nursing Education is An Investment in Yourself

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 their personal 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 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. 

How Galen Supports You Every Step of the Way 

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.