Top 10 Cheapest Nursing Schools in the USA for International Students

Are you an international student looking to pursue a career in nursing in the USA? We understand that finding affordable nursing schools can be challenging, especially as an international student. However, don’t let high tuition fees discourage you from pursuing your dreams. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 cheapest nursing schools in the USA for international students.

Nursing is a rapidly growing profession in the healthcare field, and it is an excellent career choice for individuals who prioritize helping others. However, the cost of education can be a significant challenge for students, especially international students who face higher tuition rates due to their non-resident status.

Fortunately, many affordable nursing schools in the USA are accessible to international students. In this article, we will detail the top 10 cheapest nursing schools in the USA for international students seeking to pursue a career in nursing.

1. Fayetteville State University:

Fayetteville State University, located in North Carolina, is a public university and the cheapest nursing school in the USA for international students. The cost of tuition for international students is only $5,514 per year, and the university offers a nursing program that prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). 

The program combines classroom lectures, hands-on clinical experience, and simulation training to prepare students for real-world scenarios.

2. Alabama State University

Alabama State University is another affordable option for international students seeking nursing education. The tuition for international students is only $6,328 per year, which is significantly lower than the cost of tuition in other institutions. 

The nursing program is designed to prepare nurses for a rapidly changing healthcare environment by incorporating modern techniques and technologies. The program offers pediatrics, emergency medicine, and psychiatric-mental health nursing specializations.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University, located in Kansas, offers one of the most affordable nursing programs in the USA for international students, with a tuition fee of $7,021 per year. The university’s nursing program emphasizes hands-on training and offers students plenty of experience in various healthcare settings. 

The program also offers a unique opportunity for students to study addiction treatment and recovery nursing, a growing field in the healthcare industry.

4. Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private institution in South Dakota and offers an affordable nursing program for international students. The annual tuition fee for international students is only $7,950, and the nursing program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care.

The program prepares students for the NCLEX exam and offers specializations in healthcare leadership, geriatric nursing, and mental health nursing.

5. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution that offers an affordable nursing program for international students. The tuition fee for international students is only $8,171 per year.

The nursing program includes classroom instruction, lab sessions, and clinical rotations to expose students to healthcare settings. The program also offers a nursing honors program for students who want to go above and beyond the standard curriculum requirements.

6. Minot State University

Minot State University, located in North Dakota, offers an affordable nursing program for international students with a tuition fee of $8,990 per year. The program focuses on providing students with hands-on experience and training in nursing procedures, patient care, and clinical decision-making. 

The nursing program also offers forensic nursing, community health nursing, and nursing education specializations.

7. Missouri Valley College

Missouri Valley College is a private institution in Missouri and offers an affordable nursing program for international students. The tuition fee for international students is only $9,405 per year, making it an affordable option for students who want to pursue a career in nursing.

The nursing program offers a variety of specializations, including pediatric nursing, critical care nursing, and geriatric nursing.

8. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public institution in Oklahoma, and it offers an affordable nursing program for international students.

The tuition fee for international students is only $9,684 per year, and the nursing program emphasizes clinical experience, which prepares students for real-world scenarios. The program offers specializations in women’s healthcare, emergency nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

9. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University in New Mexico offers an affordable nursing program for international students. The tuition fee for international students is only $10,017 per year, and the nursing program incorporates classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, and clinical rotations.

The program also offers specializations in hospice and palliative care, surgical, and oncology nursing.

10. University of Texas-Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American public institution offers an affordable nursing program for international students. The annual tuition fee for international students is only $12,028, making it an affordable option for students who want to pursue a career in nursing.

The nursing program focuses on cultural competency and prepares graduates to work in diverse healthcare settings. The program offers specializations in nursing administration, school nursing, and family nursing.

FAQs About Cheapest Nursing Schools

1. What are the requirements for admission to a nursing program in the USA?

Admission requirements may vary depending on the institution. Still, typically, students must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and satisfactory scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. International students must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate proficiency in English.

2. Will I be able to work as a nurse in the USA after graduation?

International students who graduate from nursing programs in the USA can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or work visas, which allow them to work in the USA for a limited period. However, obtaining an employment visa can be challenging, and students should consult an immigration attorney before applying.

3. Are any scholarships available for international nursing students in the USA?

Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships and financial aid for international nursing students in the USA. Students should research available scholarships and plan to apply early to increase their chances of receiving funding.

4. Is the nursing program different for international students compared to domestic students?

The nursing program differs for international and domestic students, although international students may face additional challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences.

5. What is the job outlook for nurses in the USA?

The nurse job outlook is excellent, with a projected growth rate of 7% between 2019-2029. Nurses are in high demand in various healthcare settings due to the aging population and the increased need for healthcare services. Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices.