Is a Nursing Degree Worth It?
Yes, a nursing degree is worth it for most students. Registered nurses earn a median $93,600 per year (BLS, 2024), and nurse practitioners earn $129,210 with 40.1% projected job growth through 2034. With a 4-year bachelor’s degree costing $24,000 to $180,000 and a salary premium of ~$93,790 over a high school diploma, the estimated payback period is just 0.3 to 1.9 years. Nursing also offers exceptional job security with 480,300 annual openings across all nursing roles.
What do nursing graduates earn?
Key takeaway: Nursing salaries range from $39,530 for nursing assistants to $223,210 for nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice nurses (NPs, CRNAs, CNMs) earn significantly more than entry-level roles, making graduate education a strong financial investment.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $93,600 | 4.9% | 189,100 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,340 | 2.6% | 54,400 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $223,210 | 8.6% | 2,700 |
| Nurse Midwife | $128,790 | 11.1% | 500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 | 40.1% | 29,500 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,530 | 2.3% | 204,100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
How does the cost compare to expected earnings?
Key takeaway: A nursing bachelor’s degree has one of the shortest payback periods of any healthcare degree, at 0.3 to 1.9 years depending on institution type.
| Institution Type | Typical Annual Tuition | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Public (in-state) | $6,000-$12,000/year | $24,000-$48,000 |
| Public (out-of-state) | $15,000-$30,000/year | $60,000-$120,000 |
| Private nonprofit | $20,000-$45,000/year | $80,000-$180,000 |
| For-profit | $15,000-$35,000/year | $60,000-$140,000 |
Tuition ranges based on NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data.
ROI calculation
- Median salary with nursing degree (MSN): $128,790 (BLS, 2024)
- Median salary with high school diploma only: ~$35,000 (BLS, 2024)
- Annual salary premium: ~$93,790
- 4-year bachelor’s degree cost range: $24,000 to $180,000
- Estimated payback period: 0.3 to 1.9 years
Even at the most expensive institutions, nursing graduates can expect to recoup their education investment within two years of employment. For students attending public in-state programs, the payback period can be as short as three months.
What is the job growth outlook for nursing?
Key takeaway: Nursing offers some of the strongest job growth projections in healthcare. Nurse practitioners lead all nursing specialties with 40.1% projected growth, and the field collectively adds 480,300 positions annually.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued strong demand for nursing professionals driven by:
- An aging U.S. population requiring more healthcare services
- Expansion of primary care access through nurse practitioner scope-of-practice laws
- Ongoing nursing faculty shortages limiting the supply of new graduates
- Retirement of current nursing workforce members
Nurse practitioner roles are projected to grow 40.1% from 2024 to 2034, compared to the national average of 4% for all occupations. Even the most established nursing role – registered nurse – is projected to add 189,100 positions annually.
How do nursing degree levels affect earnings?
Key takeaway: Each degree level in nursing corresponds to a measurable increase in earning potential and career options.
| Degree Level | Credits | Duration | Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate (ADN) | 60-72 | 2 years | $55,000-$70,000 | RN, LPN |
| Bachelor’s (BSN) | 120-128 | 4 years | $70,000-$93,000 | RN (BSN), public health nurse |
| Master’s (MSN) | 36-50 | 2-3 years | $93,000-$223,000 | NP, CRNA, CNM |
Salary ranges reflect entry-level to mid-career earnings based on BLS data.
An ADN allows you to enter the workforce faster, but many hospitals now prefer or require a BSN for direct patient care positions. The BSN-to-MSN pathway is the most financially rewarding, with master’s-prepared nurses earning $93,000 to $223,000 depending on specialty.
How does nursing compare to alternative career paths?
Key takeaway: Nursing consistently outperforms alternative healthcare entry points in both salary and long-term growth potential.
| Path | Typical Cost | Time to Entry | Median Salary | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Assistant (CNA certificate) | $1,000-$3,000 | 4-12 weeks | $39,530 | 2.3% |
| LPN/LVN (diploma/certificate) | $10,000-$20,000 | 12-18 months | $62,340 | 2.6% |
| Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) | $12,000-$36,000 | 2 years | $93,600 | 4.9% |
| Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) | $24,000-$180,000 | 4 years | $93,600 | 4.9% |
| Master’s in Nursing (MSN/NP) | $30,000-$100,000 | 2-3 years post-BSN | $129,210 | 40.1% |
| Medical Assistant (certificate) | $5,000-$15,000 | 9-12 months | $42,000 | 14.2% |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, NCES IPEDS.
While CNA and medical assistant certificates offer faster entry into healthcare, they cap at significantly lower salaries. A BSN or MSN provides the credentials needed for the highest-paying and fastest-growing nursing roles.
Who should NOT get a nursing degree?
A nursing degree may not be the best fit if you:
- Are uncomfortable with direct patient care, bodily fluids, or high-stress medical situations
- Cannot commit to required clinical hours (typically 500-1,000+ hours for BSN programs)
- Are looking for a fully remote career with no in-person requirements
- Prefer a career without ongoing continuing education and licensure renewal requirements
- Are primarily motivated by salary and would prefer a field without shift work (nights, weekends, holidays)
If clinical work is not for you but you are interested in healthcare, consider healthcare administration or health informatics as alternatives that do not require direct patient care.
How can you maximize the value of a nursing degree?
Key takeaway: Strategic choices during and after your nursing program can significantly increase your lifetime earnings and career satisfaction.
- Choose a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program to ensure licensure eligibility and employer recognition. Verify at CCNE or ACEN.
- Start with a BSN if possible – many hospitals now require a BSN for hire, and BSN-prepared nurses have an easier path to graduate study
- Pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt – BSN programs average an 87% first-time pass rate (NCSBN, 2024)
- Gain experience in a specialty before pursuing graduate education to strengthen your MSN application and clinical expertise
- Pursue an MSN or DNP – the salary jump from BSN ($93,600) to NP ($129,210) or CRNA ($223,210) is substantial
- Leverage the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for multi-state practice flexibility
- Compare total program costs – see Affordable Nursing Programs and Financial Aid
Frequently asked questions
Is a nursing degree worth it in 2025?
Yes. Registered nurses earn a median $93,600 per year with 189,100 annual job openings, and nurse practitioners earn $129,210 with 40.1% projected growth through 2034 (BLS, 2024). The payback period on a nursing bachelor’s degree ranges from 0.3 to 1.9 years.
Is an online nursing degree respected by employers?
Yes, if the program holds CCNE or ACEN accreditation. Online nursing graduates complete the same clinical requirements and pass the same NCLEX-RN exam as on-campus graduates. Transcripts do not typically distinguish between formats.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
An ADN takes approximately 2 years, a BSN takes 4 years, and RN-to-BSN bridge programs take 1-2 years for current RNs. Master’s programs add 2-3 years beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Is a BSN worth it over an ADN?
Yes for most students. While ADN and BSN graduates pass the same NCLEX-RN and start at similar salaries, BSN-prepared nurses have stronger advancement opportunities, and many hospitals now require a BSN for hire. The BSN is also required for entry into MSN programs.
What is the highest-paying nursing specialty?
Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) earn a median $223,210 per year, making it the highest-paying nursing specialty. Nurse practitioners ($129,210) and nurse midwives ($128,790) are also among the top earners (BLS, 2024).
Can I work while completing a nursing degree online?
Yes. Many online nursing programs are designed for working professionals. RN-to-BSN and MSN programs in particular offer asynchronous coursework that accommodates full-time work schedules. However, clinical hours still require in-person attendance at approved facilities.