Cost and Benefits to Consider With an Accelerated BSN Degree

You may be asking yourself “are accelerated nursing programs worth it”? There are many reasons to apply to an accelerated bachelor’s of nursing program and understanding the costs and benefits associated with them will help you make the right decisions about your academic journey.

The accelerated BSN program at Joyce University has created a fast, affordable alternative to the traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees you will get at other institutions. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are looking to make a career change or jumpstart your career in the field of nursing, accelerated BSN nursing programs will have you entering the workforce in as little as 20 months. 

The Costs of an BSN Degree

Estimated Tuition

So, how much does the accelerated BSN program cost? The cost of Joyce University’s accelerated nursing program starting in the Fall semester of 2023 and based on 85 credit hours is $60,355. We know how important tuition cost is in budgeting for school, so we work hard to make our costs transparent and accessible. Learn more about the full cost breakdown for the Accelerated BSN (aBSN) program on our Financial Aid page.

Full aBSN Cost Breakdown:

• Core Credit Hours: 68
• Cost Per Credit Hour: $725
• Total Estimated Program Cost: $60,355
• NCLEX Resource Fee: $2,980

Financial Aid Resources

Many students applying to our accredited accelerated BSN program qualify to receive some form of financial aid. Financial aid for accelerated nursing programs can assist with covering tuition, fees, books, and more. In addition to scholarships and grants, potential aBSN students should also explore the following:

• Veteran Education Benefits:

  Veterans, service members, as well as military spouses and family members are eligible for financial assistance provided through the GI Bill for an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing or aBSN programs. Submit your education benefits application through the Veterans Affairs (VA) website.

• Federal Title IV Student Financial Aid Programs:

  Prospective aBSN students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive federal loans. The type of financial aid you qualify for will depend on which school you attend and your family income. Additional student loan funds are available from private lenders for applicants who meet their qualifications. Financial aid packets are available at our campus Financial Aid Office or learn more about who qualifies online. Once eligible for federal student loans, aBSN students must also complete student loan entrance counseling prior to their first day of class.

The Benefits of a BSN Degree

Accelerated BSN programs have many perks including entering the workforce faster, providing higher quality care to patients, and enhanced job security. Plus at the end of your BSN program, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam and be prepared to make invaluable contributions to your future patient care teams. But before you get there, we understand that the cost of continuing education is a primary concern. Here is a cost-benefit analysis of pursuing your accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing with us.

Enter the Workforce Faster

By transferring credits from your previous bachelor’s degree and committing 40 hours per week to your education, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and launch a career as a registered nurse in as little as 20 months. After completing this fast-track nursing program, Joyce students are prepared with the tools to successfully pass the NCLEX, faster than a traditional four-year program. With an accelerated pathway, you’ll be able to enter the workforce sooner, earn an income faster, and pay off debt quicker than students in a traditional track, all while being fully prepared with clinical experience, specialized knowledge, and the competitive advantage of having obtained a BSN degree.

Provide a Higher Quality of Care

According to the American Association of Colleges in Nursing, there is a growing body of evidence that nurses with bachelor’s degrees are significantly better prepared than their ASN colleagues. Patients of nurses with a BSN degree experience lower mortality rates and higher rescue rates. Because of the faster pace and rigor of the program, BSN-prepared nurses are also better equipped to properly meet the demands of today’s dynamic medical environment.

With a BSN from an accelerated nursing program, you will be among the most knowledgeable and proficient leaders in your field. Your clinical judgment and critical reasoning skills can make you a stronger candidate for growth opportunities, helping you build a proven track record of efficiency along the way.

Job Outlook and Security

Most nurses – 70% in fact – are reported to currently have a bachelor’s degree. This means that by acquiring a BSN through an accelerated nursing school, you will be part of the competitive majority of job applicants entering a high-demand field. Some employers, like the Armed Forces, require a bachelor’s degree for all nurses. This is quickly becoming the norm across healthcare institutions as they seek to beat out legislative changes to the field of nursing, so if you plan to enter the nursing field, now is the time to acquire a bachelor of science in nursing.

By choosing an accelerated BSN program, you’ll not only get to the job market faster and at a more affordable cost than traditional routes but also more securely knowing you will be ahead of legislative changes and hospital requirements.

Read more about why some hospitals already require a BSN Degree.

It is important for anyone making a career change to carefully weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision. Learn how Joyce can help you reach your career goals in nursing. To get more information about our accelerated BSN program or to seek financial assistance moving forward, speak with an Admissions Advisor. We can answer all of your questions!

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an aBSN Degree

Is aBSN worth the money?

Yes! An accelerated bachelor of science in nursing is designed to be a fast-track program to get you into the field of nursing quicker than a traditional program. Due to its accelerated format and ability to accept transfer credits from your previously earned bachelor’s degree, an aBSN can be earned in as little as 20 months. This means that you can enter the workforce sooner and earn money to pay back any debts accrued faster. If you already have a degree and are looking to change careers, an accelerated nursing program will get you there faster.

Is there a pay difference between ADN and BSN?

Yes! According to research, the pay difference between nurses with and without a BSN was over $6,000 a year. Those with a BSN degree, either from a traditional route or an accelerated RN program, can earn quite a bit more than nurses with an associates degree (ASN or ADN). Nurses with a BSN are also eligible to apply for higher paying positions due to their enhanced hands-on learning, clinical experiences, and leadership skills learned in BSN curriculum. Additionally, healthcare institutions increasingly value BSN degrees, often offering more favorable work schedules, higher salaries and improved job satisfaction for nurses with BSN degrees. Read about the highest paying nursing specialties.

What are the benefits of getting aBSN in nursing?

There are numerous benefits to getting an aBSN in nursing such as the ability to apply to a larger variety of positions including leadership and management roles, and other specialty positions. With more variety in positions to apply to also comes greater access to benefits like higher pay, schedule flexibility, and better work-life balance than ASN-prepared nurses. This in combination with your connections made duringyour accelerated BSN program to Joyce faculty, other nurses , and alumni providing you career guidance and mentorship, you’ll feel prepared for success and ready to launch your career.

How will having a BSN affect my future nursing career?

In addition to applying to a wider variety of jobs with a BSN degree, your future nursing career will be elevated by the workplace knowledge and proficiency you learn while in an accelerated aBSN program. According to AACN research, nurses with a BSN degree see lower patient mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, higher proficiency at diagnoses and evaluating nursing interventions, and improved professional integration and research/evaluation skills. Obtaining a BSN can also solidify your authority and allow you to influence change in the industry by taking on leadership roles.

What is the most expensive aBSN?

Any nursing degree is going to cost a few thousand dollars, but some can reach as high as $150,000 for a BSN degree from a private institution. At Joyce University, an aBSN degree costs $60,355 for 85 credits and there are many options for financial aid such as loans, scholarships, grants, and aid for veterans. Our financial aid office can assist you in planning your financing for your academic future.