Written By Jolene Latimer
Updated on March 4, 2024
Are you on the path to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)? This versatile career path can be a highly compensated specialty in outpatient clinics or surgical hospitals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for this profession is $205,770 as of the latest data in May 2022. But becoming a CRNA requires extensive training, which is why many students want to know the cheapest CRNA schools they can attend.
Related: CRNA Salary: Is It Worth the Debt?
How much does CRNA school cost? As you'll see in the list below, it is highly dependent on whether you choose a public or private school.
Read more about your options below to better understand the total cost.
10 Cheapest CRNA public schools
When researching the cheapest CRNA schools, consider the cost of tuition, the time required for program completion and the cost of living where you intend to go to school. The median cost of public CRNA programs is $40,195, according to a 2014 research study on the cost of education and earning potential for non-physician anesthesia providers. All the schools on our list are below the median, but you’ll undoubtedly find programs priced considerably higher in broader searches.
Here are the top 10 most inexpensive public schools for becoming a nurse in the United States, based on in-state tuition.
10. East Carolina University College — $31,703
Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
Named a top Master’s Program for Nursing in the United States by U.S. News and World Report, East Carolina University College is a reputable school with low-cost tuition. It offers a diverse range of nursing specialties, including nurse anesthesia.
9. Arkansas State University College — $30,600
Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Anesthesia (Entry Level)
Arkansas State University College offers a relatively inexpensive nursing program. It lasts two years and four months. Arkansas’ cost of living also makes this program appealing. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, it has the second-lowest regional price parity in the United States.
8. Florida Gulf Coast University — $30,244
Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
Schools in Florida have made the list of cheapest CRNA programs a few times. Florida Gulf Coast Universityt offers extensive scholarships and comparatively low tuition, making it worth the application cost.
7. The University of Akron — $30,118
Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
One of the highest-ranked CRNA programs in Ohio is the University of Ohio’s Master of Science in Nursing. This degree is completed over 27 months — which includes a 24-month residency.
6. University of North Dakota — $28,000
Master of Science with Major in Nursing (Entry Level)
The University of North Dakota is one of the state’s most prominent universities, offering over 225 on-campus and online degrees. The Master of Science with a Major in Nursing program is a great option if you’re looking for a big CRNA school experience and a low cost of living.
5. Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia California State University Fullerton — $27,000
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesiology (Entry Level)
Spanning nine semesters (or three years), the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia emphasizes applying coursework to the real world. Located in Pasadena, California, the cost of living and program length may add to the total cost of your education.
4. Carolinas Medical Center — $23,158
Master of Science in Nursing
Carolinas Medical Center has an impressive 95% first-time pass rate on licensure exams. Spanning two years and three months, its Master of Science in Nursing program could be the cost-effective solution needed to kickstart your career.
3. Rhode Island College School of Nursing /St. Joseph Hospital — $22,064
Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
As one of two nurse anesthesia schools in the state, the Rhode Island College School of Nursing is focused on, “educating and empowering nurses to enrich the health and well-being of all people.” If you want to live on the East Coast and attend nursing school at a low cost, this school could be an excellent option for you.
2. University of Puerto Rico — $16,750
Master of Science in Nursing with Specialty in Anesthesia (Entry Level)
This school might not be appealing to those looking to study in the continental United States; however, the University of Puerto Rico’s Master of Science in Nursing CRNA program could be the perfect opportunity to get your Specialty in Anesthesia at a low cost — and improve your Spanish.
1. Florida State University — $9,500
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (Entry Level)
As the cheapest school for a nurse anesthesia degree in the United States, Florida State University offers a program lasting two years and four months. Focused on helping students pass the national certification exam, this program offers the lowest in-state tuition for nurse anesthesia.
Cheapest private CRNA schools
Now that we’ve taken a look at the best public medical schools, let’s look at some of the more affordable private schools to become a CRNA. Here are two options that could save you serious cash in annual tuition:
Antillean Adventist University — $26,000
Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
Also located in Puerto Rico, Antillean Adventist University is a popular private medical school due to its low annual tuition. Offering associates, baccalaureate and master’s degrees, Antillean is worth considering for those wishing to attend medical school in Puerto Rico.
Wake Forest Baptist Health — $31,500
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing
Offering a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing, Wake Forest Baptist Health is a private university in North Carolina. The best part? You can become certified as a nurse and be 100% reimbursed by working at a Wake Forest Baptist Health facility. Additionally, the school offers a 50% reimbursement of tuition costs after completing college courses.
Most expensive private CRNA schools
It can be difficult to gauge how much you’re saving by going to a CRNA school that costs less. Let’s get a better idea by comparing the lowest cost of tuition with the highest. Here are some of the most expensive medical school nursing programs in the United States:
University of Pennsylvania — $210,000
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Entry Level)
The featured program at the University of Pennsylvania is a Doctor of Nursing Program, but the annual cost of tuition shows just how expensive medical programs can be. If you’re considering surpassing your master’s degree and obtaining a doctorate, it’s a good idea to evaluate how much more you can make with a higher degree, especially when compared to the cost of the program.
Cleveland Clinic Foundation — $206,127.50
Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation is a private university offering both master's and doctorate degrees in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing costs over $82,451 annually. Meaning you could end up paying over $200,000 for your education. However, all students are afforded a grant that covers up to 20% of tuition costs.
How do I choose the best CRNA school for me?
When choosing an institution to continue your nursing education, it’s a good idea to do your research. You’ll be able to compare the benefits, location and true value of different CRNA programs while also considering the cost of tuition.
Consider making a pro and con list of your top schools to better evaluate those that best suit your needs as a prospective student. The cheapest CRNA schools may not be the highest on your initial list, but they could be worth looking into.
Keep Reading: Student Loan Refinancing for CRNAs: How Much Would It Save You?
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