Costs & Benefits of an ASN Degree

Choosing a career inevitably comes with some calculations. You have to consider education costs, training length, salary potential, and of course your interest in the field. Read on to learn more about the costs and benefits of what you can do with an Associates of Science Degree in nursing (ASN), the cost of nursing school at Joyce University, how to find nursing scholarships, nurse salaries, and more.

Is Nursing School Worth it?

The short answer is, yes. An ASN can be worth it if your goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). If nursing is the career direction for you, then an Associate of Science in Nursing degree is one of the fastest ways to get there. An ASN will prepare you for RN licensure exam, and depending on the program, you can become a registered nurse in as little as 20 months. Check out our article on  How to Become a Registered Nurse.

How Much is Nursing School?

The cost of nursing school can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of program, location, and whether the school is public or private. When calculating the cost of nursing school, you should also consider additional expenses like textbooks, supplies, and living costs if you plan to relocate to pursue a particular institution.

It’s crucial to research and explore all available options to make an informed decision based on your financial situation and career goals. Contacting the admissions office of the specific schools you are interested in attending will provide the most accurate and up-to-date cost information for their nursing programs.

At Joyce University, we make it a priority to provide transparent tuition and fees for all of our programs. Check out our Financial Aid for the full ASN program cost breakdown.

There are several factors to take into account when comparing costs between nursing schools.

Keep an eye on:

• What your payments cover
• Book and supply fees
• Commuting costs
• NCLEX prep course fees
• Cost of living near or at the school (if applicable)
• Program length (an accelerated nursing program like Joyce’s gets you to your first paycheck faster!)
• Financial aid options, including nursing scholarships and grants

How to Pay for Nursing School

Your education is an investment in your future, and a great education is worth the investment. We recommend that all of our students apply for nursing scholarships and grants, tuition reimbursement programs, federal aid, like FAFSA, and veterans benefits, if applicable. There are specific loans for nursing students, which can be a great option.

Our financial aid office has resources and know-how to help you finance your Joyce ASN degree in a way that works for you. Read more about Joyce’s financial aid.

What Can You Do With an ASN?

As an RN with an ASN degree, you have a wide variety of jobs available. ASNs can work general and specialty nursing jobs in hospitals, hospices, home health centers, clinics, treatment centers, care facilities, med spas, and more. If you’re looking for a way to see the world while working, consider an ASN job as a travel nurse.

ASN-prepared nurses interested in broadening their career options can pursue a bachelor of science in nursing program (BSN). Accelerated programs, like the RN to BSN program at Joyce University, is designed specifically for working nurses so you can balance work and home life while pursuing an advanced degree.

Registered nurses seeking career advancement through a BSN degree can enjoy access to leadership opportunities and pay increases. Some healthcare facilities encourage their ASN nurses to earn a BSN within an allotted time after employment, many offering tuition reimbursement benefits.

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?

As of 2023, the average RN salary in the United States is approximately $90,000 per year, or $44 per hour according to ZipRecruiter. But your actual ASN salary will vary across states, healthcare facilities, and specialties.

Wherever you practice, your salary with an ASN degree will be significantly more than if you had become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), which is another accelerated nursing pathway option that typically takes about 1 year. According to ZipRecruiter, LPNs earn an average of about $60,600 annually ($29 an hour). The numbers on your paycheck don’t lie. The training you need to earn an ASN and become a registered nurse certainly pays off.

Following the money? Read more about the highest paying states for travel nurses and the highest paying nursing jobs.

Is an ASN Degree Worth the Financial Investment?

Let’s get down to brass tacks. If you’re wondering whether an ASN degree is worth your money, look at the return on investment, or ROI. ROI measures how profitable an investment is with a percentage, and is calculated by dividing earnings by cost and multiplying by 100.

If you pay, for example, $53,305 for an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, then make the average RN salary of $90,000 the year after you qualify, your return on investment will be almost 169% in just one year. Especially considering that your nursing career has ample room for advancement.

Invest in Your Future With an ASN Degree

An ASN degree from Joyce University is absolutely worth the investment in time and money. Most Joyce ASN salaries mean that you’ll earn back the cost of nursing school in less than a year. An Associate of Science in Nursing degree will set you up for a career with lots of room for growth, and our Career Services team is here to help you find the perfect job when you graduate. There is so much you can do with an ASN degree. Ready to invest in yourself? Talk to a Joyce admissions officer today!