If you’re thinking about attending nursing school in the Sunshine State, the first thing you’ll probably consider is cost. Luckily, the cost of nursing school in Florida can be affordable, thanks to its wide range of nursing programs at both private and public universities.
Although cost is a big deal when it comes to where a student will go to school, keep in mind that nursing programs offer many financial aid options that make becoming a nurse more attainable. The first step to figuring out the cost of nursing school in the state of Florida is to file your FAFSA®.
Once your FAFSA® is filed, you’ll have a better idea of what types of aid are available to you. Aid encompasses everything from grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal loans.
Armed with that information, you can look at the tuition of colleges and universities in Florida and compare your aid to the average tuition. Don’t let the cost of going to nursing school hold you back. For those that want to become a nurse, there are many financial options available.
What Nursing Programs Are Offered in Florida?
Florida is home to some of the nation’s best practical nursing programs. After you’ve decided on a degree type and nursing specialty, you’ll have plenty of colleges, universities, and technical schools to choose from.
When it comes to a career in nursing, there are so many different avenues you can take, so if you’re not sure what type of nursing program would be best for you, don’t fret. We’ve done some research on the most popular and practical nursing programs in Florida to give you a solid jumping off point.
Making the decision to go to nursing school is a big deal. Not only do you need to decide on a program, but you need to make the right financial decision for your future. While that’s hard to do at first, doing your research and gathering as much information as possible can help. Take a look below to see some of Florida’s most popular nursing programs.
Nursing Programs in Florida
| Registered Nurse Required Education: ADN or BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) | Nurse Practitioner Required Education: MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing) | Nurse Midwife Required Education: MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing) |
| Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse Required Education: Post-secondary non-degree awards | Clinical Nurse Specialist Required Education: MSN or DSN (Doctor’s of Science in Nursing) | Intensive Care Unit RN Required Education: ADN or BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) |
| Travel Registered Nurse Required Education: ADN or BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) | Dental Hygienist Required Education: ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Required Education: ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing) |
| Physician Assistant Required Education: MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing) | Pediatric Nurse Required Education: ASN or BSN | Obstetric Nurse Required Education: ASN or BSN |
If you have your heart set on a particular university or college, reach out to their admissions office to see if they offer the programs you’re interested in. Paying attention to a school’s accreditation is key in determining whether or not the school you select is appropriately licensed and approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.
If the state board of Florida does not approve of the school you decide to attend; it will prevent you from taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You can find a full list of approved nursing schools at the Florida Board of Nursing website.
Average Cost Per Nursing Program
in Florida
Nursing program tuition across the state of Florida can vary greatly. Degree type, the school’s reputation, and whether the school is private or public significantly impact the cost of education. Below are the estimated tuition costs of some of the most sought-after nursing programs in Florida.
| Diploma Nursing Programs Length: Depends  Total Cost: $18K – $40K | Nursing Assistant (NA) Program Length: 6 Months Total Cost: $9,000 | Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) Length: 4 Years Total Cost: $40k – $200k |
| Licensed Practical Nurse LPN/LVN Length: 13 Months Public Costs: $5k – $25k Private Costs: $20k – $40k | Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) Length: 13 Months Public Costs: $6k-40k Private Costs: $30k-100k |
The costs above are estimates provided by various college and nursing websites. If you’d like to know the cost of obtaining a degree or certificate at a specific institution, it’s best you reach out to them directly. After you’ve narrowed down the search, it’s time to file your FAFSA®. Once your FAFSA® has been processed, you’ll have a better idea of how much each program will cost after your financial aid is factored in.
Top 5 Nursing Schools in Florida & Their Costs
In addition to choosing the best program and degree type that coincides with your goals, cost is a top consideration. When calculating the cost of each school, don’t forget to factor in textbooks, school supplies, transportation, room & board, and even childcare, if you’re a parent. With that in mind, knowing the estimated cost of your education is helpful.
The best way to get a sense of how much you’ll have to pay is to complete your FAFSA® and wait until it is reviewed. The schools you applied to will be able to provide you with a more in-depth look at the full cost of your education after your financial aid package is determined. Here are the top five nursing schools in Florida and an estimated cost of tuition to give you an idea of costs before financial aid.
| University of Miami Annual Tuition: $47,004 Programs Offered: RN to BSN, BSN, MSN, APN, Ph.D., DNP, BSN-DNP | University of Florida Annual Tuition: $28,659 Programs Offered: BSN, DNP, Ph.D. |
| University of South Florida Annual Tuition: $17,324 Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D., V-CARE | Jacksonville University Annual Tuition: $35,260 Programs Offered: Certificates, RN to BSN, RN, BSN, MSN | University of NC at Greensboro Annual Tuition: $35,818 Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD |
Average Florida Nursing
Salary by Speciality
Deciding to pursue a nursing career is a life-changing choice. It makes sense that you’d want an idea of what a nursing salary looks like in Florida. Luckily, we’ve researched the average salaries for the most popular nursing specialties in Florida. We pulled these numbers from various career sites like PayScale and GlassDoor.
To gain a more accurate understanding, you can fill out a salary report on any career site.
| Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) Florida Salary Estimate: $38k – $56k | Registered Nurse (RN) Florida Salary Estimate: $42k – $77k |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) Florida Salary Estimate: $88k – $119k | Nurse Midwife Florida Salary Estimate: $87k – $129k |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Florida Salary Estimate: $99k – $115k | Intensive Care Unit RN Florida Salary Estimate: $56k – $65k |
| Physician Assistant Florida Salary Estimate: $85k – $120k | Obstetrics Nurse Florida Salary Estimate: $62k – 78k |
It’s important to know that you’re only certified to work in the state in which you took your NCLEX. If you move to another state or country, you will have to get certified there as well. A career in nursing is a positive step towards a more fulfilling future.
If your heart is set on going into this life-saving field, don’t let money be the thing that stands in your way. File your FAFSA® and speak to the financial aid department at the schools you’re considering to see what your options are.