Maria Delgado, RN
June 24, 2025
The healthcare industry can provide a rewarding career path for those who want to take care of others, those who want to be part of a growing industry with access to job stability, and those who want human connections. LPNs and LVNs deliver basic patient care, such as to connecting patients and registered nurses or doctors. Among their duties are such things as ensuring patient well-being, dispensing medication, helping with personal hygiene, and providing a certain amount of comfort. As the requirements for healthcare increase, especially in elderly populations, the demand for qualified LPNs and LVNs is also increasing rapidly.
When considering nursing schools, for many potential students cost is a key factor. And for good reason: nursing education can be quite expensive. But high-quality, affordable programs can help lower that cost significantly! By minimizing student debt, new grads can enter nursing feeling less strapped, as well as more able to build their careers in ways that work for them. Make the best decision possible for your future career by enrolling in an inexpensive LPN/LVN program that will allow you to dedicate all your time and attention to studying and receiving the clinical training that you will need to become a successful practical or vocational nurse, without creating a heavy financial burden.
Winston-Salem, NC - Public 2-Year - forsythtech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Forsyth Technical Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This one-year diploma program offers flexible scheduling with day, evening, and weekend classes. Students gain essential nursing skills, patient care techniques, and medical knowledge, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and individualized care. Financial aid options are available to make education affordable. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, ensuring students are ready for the challenges of nursing.
Riverside, CA - Public 2-Year - rcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverside City College's Vocational Nursing program provides a comprehensive 12-month pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse in California. Students complete 51-67 units, gaining essential medical skills and knowledge. The program offers two credentials: a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate of Science Degree. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, with approximately 40-70 students accepted annually. Admission requires prerequisites including Biology, Psychology, and an active CNA certificate, making it an accessible option for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at CUNY LaGuardia Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world experience, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. With a curriculum designed to cover essential nursing skills, students gain the knowledge needed to excel in various healthcare settings. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, and the program is structured to be completed in a timely manner, making it an excellent choice for those looking to quickly enter the nursing field. Costs are competitive, offering an affordable pathway to a nursing career.
Brownsville, TX - Public 2-Year - tsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Southmost College's Licensed Vocational Nursing Certificate provides a comprehensive 12-month pathway into healthcare. Designed for aspiring nurses, the program prepares students for entry-level nursing roles in diverse settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. With a competitive admission process and strong clinical training, students develop critical skills in patient care, healthcare collaboration, and professional nursing practices. The program boasts impressive NCLEX pass rates and offers accessible education with an estimated total cost between $11,000-$13,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quick, affordable route into nursing.
Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State College at Jacksonville's Practical Nursing Career Certificate prepares students for a dynamic healthcare career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This comprehensive program combines classroom lectures, laboratory training, and clinical education to equip students with essential nursing skills. With an impressive 94% NCLEX-PN passage rate and a cost of approximately $3,942, students can launch their nursing career efficiently. The program offers a pathway to advanced nursing degrees, including a potential RN Bridge Program and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates can work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, physician offices, and nursing homes.
El Paso, TX - Public 2-Year - epcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
El Paso Community College's Vocational Nursing program provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals. With a rich history since 1972, the program offers high-quality education preparing students for diverse nursing roles. Graduates benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and consistently high NCLEX pass rates above national averages. The program emphasizes cultural competence and workforce readiness in the multicultural border community, making it an excellent starting point for a nursing career.
San Francisco, CA - Public 2-Year - ccsf.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at City College of San Francisco prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This 18-month, full-time program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom instruction and hands-on hospital experience. Graduates earn a Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement and are eligible to take the state licensure exam. The program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, ensuring high-quality education. Students gain skills for employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care. Financial aid and counseling services are available to support students throughout their educational journey.
Lincoln, NE - Public 2-Year - southeast.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Southeast Community College prepares passionate healthcare professionals for a dynamic nursing career. Students learn comprehensive patient care skills across the lifespan, from newborns to end-of-life care. The program offers flexible part-time and full-time options, with an estimated total cost of $10,094. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam and can practice in multiple states through the nursing compact. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, effective communication, and professional accountability, positioning students for success in diverse healthcare settings.
Laredo, TX - Public 4-Year - laredo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Laredo College's Vocational Nursing Program offers an intensive 12-month certificate pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse. Students gain comprehensive clinical skills across fundamental nursing domains, including medical-surgical, maternity, pediatric, and psychiatric care. The program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, with an impressive 97.40% pass rate in 2023. With a total program cost of approximately $5,300, students can launch a healthcare career with strong job prospects, where Texas vocational nurses earn an average annual salary of $52,850.
Salinas, CA - Public 2-Year - hartnell.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hartnell College in Salinas, CA, offers a Vocational Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This 24-month program combines prerequisites, general education, and hands-on training through simulations, skills labs, and clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed vocational nurses, working under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. The program is ideal for those seeking a fast-track to a nursing career, with opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more. Hartnell supports students with financial aid options and a comprehensive learning environment.
Tuition varies widely, but on average, LPN/LVN programs can cost between a few thousand dollars at public institutions to over $25,000 at private nursing schools. The most cost-effective options for this type of program are typically found through community colleges and vocational schools, which may cut tuition rates by a third or more for in-state students.
In-state tuition is often cheaper than out-of-state prices. You can generally expect to pay two to three times the in-state tuition to attend a public school, if you have to pay the out-of-state rates offered by the school. It’s also important to consider other costs, including uniforms, textbooks, lab fees, clinical supplies and exam fees, which can add hundreds if not thousands of dollars to total program costs. Many of the most affordable programs offer great transparency in place of additional fees, which means students can anticipate and plan for the costs of necessary resources instead of being caught unprepared.
The cost of LPN/LVN programs is influenced by a number of factors. The kind of establishment you select makes a big difference. The most affordable of all college types: community colleges and trade schools offer the lowest average cost of tuition, making them perfect for a college student on a budget. Private colleges or schools of nursing can have more expensive tuition but might come with additional offerings, like better clinical experiences or accelerated programs.
Design of program is an important factor that affects price. Faster programs, though more academically demanding, in turn can decrease overall expenses by getting you in and out of school more quickly and reducing long-term expenses like living and commuting costs. Traditional programs are not as hard-core as accelerated programs but they tend to create additional costs as the number of semester and class sessions can be greater depending on how long the program is.
Tuition costs also vary widely, depending on the location. Urban programs tend to be more expensive, in terms of both tuition and cost of living, while rural programs are typically less expensive. Furthermore, online or hybrid classes can significantly reduce the cost of commuting and housing, and be a flexible, cost-effective alternative for students juggling work, family, and school.
| Attendance Type | Community Colleges | Vocational Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $5,000 - $9,000 | $7,000 - $15,000 | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Part Time | $6,000 - $10,000 | $8,000 - $16,000 | $27,000 - $45,000 |
A concern for many prospective students is whether lower-cost nursing programs equate to lower quality education. But a cheap price tag does not have to mean cheap quality. Nursing education programs, including both those offered by community colleges and vocational schools, must meet stringent educational criteria as established by ACEN or state nursing boards. Accreditation by the APTA guarantees the educational quality of the program, and ensures that students are taught in a way that will allow them to be successful on national licensure examination.
One important quality measure of a program is its NCLEX-PN pass rate, a measure of how effectively the program prepares students for practical nursing licensure examination. High pass rates are indicative of a solid curriculum, successful pedagogical strategies and solid academic support.
Furthermore, top quality programs are fostering robust clinical relations with hospitals, clinics, and healthier care institutions, giving learners a wealth of hands on training. Search for programs that showcase seasoned, supportive instructors that also actively mentor students during their time in school. Low tuition doesn’t necessarily mean mediocre education, especially with a strong faculty and clinical connections
Looking for the most affordable LPN program? Ensure it also delivers on these essential quality points.
The cost-quality factor is another important consideration when choosing an LPN/LVN program. So cheap is good, but not at the expense of losing program reputation, accreditation, and educational performance. Applicants should weigh both the cost and value of a program, including potential long-term gains in employment, salary and career effects.
Smartly choosing a good but inexpensive program is an investment in your future in terms of a solid, fulfilling job in nursing. By doing their homework – and ensuring programs are accredited and offer financial assistance – students can feel confident they’re choosing a quality program that won’t leave them saddled with debt. As a result, thought and moderation in your decisions today can benefit your future in the fulfilling world of nursing.