Public colleges and universities are educational institutions primarily funded by the federal, state, and local governments. These stand in contrast to private universities, which rely more heavily upon student tuition and endowments. The quality of education provided by public universities has steadily increased over the years; many are now just as prestigious as their private counterparts. Public universities are often widely accessible to students who live in-state (or in-county), and these students enjoy lower tuition fees than private university enrollees.

The nursing profession is projected to grow substantially over the coming decades, and it seems more appealing than ever to enter this rewarding field. However, in a tough economic climate, it’s important to understand all the elements of financing an education. School enrollment carriers a number of important costs, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and day-to-day living expenses.

The all-in costs of nursing school can vary substantially depending upon several factors. Below we’ve profiled the most important decision criteria for prospective nursing students.

Public versus private school
Nursing students’ primary cost of enrollment is tuition. This cost can vary significantly depending upon the choice of school. For example, due to their lack of state funding, private schools are usually more expensive than their public counterparts. This gap may be partially offset, however, by financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Michigan is home to a number of prestigious private colleges and universities that offer nursing degree programs. These private schools often have smaller class sizes than their public counterparts, enabling them to provide students a personalized education experience. For this reason, local nursing employers like Tenet Healthcare often favor graduates of private nursing schools. Although they can be more expensive than public nursing schools due to a lack of state funding, private schools are still within reach of the average student’s budget.

Public colleges and universities are an attractive option for students concerned about the costs of nursing education. Public schools charge lower tuition than their private counterparts because they are partially subsidized by the state government. As a result, Michigan residents can enjoy significantly lower tuition at prestigious schools like University of Michigan and Lake Superior State University. Both universities offer a breadth of highly regarded nursing programs.

Undergraduate programs

Des Moines is home to a large and diverse community of nursing professionals. Each nursing role carries distinct responsibilities and thus requires a tailored educational program.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) fill the most junior nursing role. CNA certificate programs typically require just eight to ten weeks of study. To gain licensure as a nursing assistant, candidates must pass a state-administered examination immediately after completing the certificate program.

Aspiring nurses in Cedar Rapids have several nursing schools and programs from which to choose. The local nursing profession can be broadly divided into four roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

If you are interested in becoming a nurse in Irving, Texas, you’re in luck. The city of 230,000 residents is home to top hospitals and medical centers such as Baylor Medical Center at Irving, Las Colinas Medical Center, and HCA North Texas. Not surprisingly, Irving’s nurses receive exceptional pay. The area’s registered nurses (RNs) earn a median annual salary of $70,000, while its licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) earn $46,000 per year and its certified nursing assistants (CNAs) receive $24,500 in annual pay.

Houston is home to a large population of registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) that manage the healthcare needs of more than 2.1 million residents. The metropolitan area has over 44,000 RNs, 12,000 LVNs, and 16,000 CNAs that care for patients at prestigious hospitals like Texas Medical Center, Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center, St. Joseph Medical Center, and West Houston Medical Center.

With a population of 190,000 registered nurses (RNs) and hundreds of top-rated nursing schools, Texas is one of the nation’s best places to start a nursing career. While opportunities are plentiful, especially in the Fort Worth metropolitan area, it still takes a lot of work and the right education to obtain a coveted position in this competitive field.