Receiving a quality education can be very expensive these days. Graduate school may be more expensive than undergraduate school in some cases. Deciding how to finance an education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist should be one of the number one considerations when choosing a CRNA school. For students who do not have the money to pay for school readily available, there are many options to finance their educations and achieve their dreams of attending CRNA school.
How Much Does CRNA School Cost?
The cost to attend CRNA school varies greatly. Locations, rankings, reputations, and other factors affect the price that students pay to attend CRNA school. The cost to attend these schools may vary from $14,000 to over $100,000 for a CRNA education. The cost includes supplies, health insurance, tests fees, books, tuition, and miscellaneous school expenses.
Several factors affect the cost of CRNA school. Many schools charge thousands of dollars more per year for students who are attending school from out of state. Out of state fees can nearly double some of the tuition fees to attend certain schools.
The school’s ranking can also affect the cost of tuition. Top schools may cost the most to attend, but students can have confidence that if they do well in their program they will end up with one of the highest paid CRNA jobs in the country. In addition, many recruiters want students who graduate from the top CRNA schools. Less expensive schools should not be discounted because students can still get a quality education from these schools as well. Accreditation is the most important factor to look for in a CRNA school.
The reputation of the school affects the cost of tuition as well. Some schools have a consistent reputation for producing some of the best CRNAs in the nursing industry. A higher reputation may drive the cost of tuition higher than the cost to attend other CRNA schools.
How to Finance Nurse Anesthetist School
Students can finance Nurse Anesthetist school by using one or more of the following options:
- Scholarships – This option offers students a way to pay for an education and not owe the money back after graduating from CRNA school. Scholarship sources may include small businesses, religious organizations, philanthropic foundations, community organizations, large corporations, generous individuals, and public and private schools.
- Grants – This option also does not require repayment. The awards can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the need. Students must complete their FAFSA application to determine if they qualify for federal aid.
- Loans – This option does require repayment. The interest rates for these loans may vary depending on the sources. Students may qualify for subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, Stafford loans, parent loans, PLUS loans, private loans, and Graduate PLUS loans as just a few of the loan choices. Many students may qualify for loan forgiveness after graduation after meeting certain requirements.
- Cash – Some students may have the cash available to pay for their CRNA schooling. Those who do not may have to work to pay for their educations. Many students attend school part-time so they can work to finance their educations.
- Work Study – This option helps students pay for their education by working on campus, assisting teachers, or working in the community. Financial need is the greatest factor that determines if students qualify. The pay is at least minimum wage.
Tips on How to Pay for CRNA School
- Start saving the moment you decide you want to attend CRNA school.
- Apply for as many scholarships as possible.
- Complete the FAFSA application at www.fafsa.com.
- Consider working part-time and attend school part-time to finance CRNA school.
- Maintain the highest GPA possible during undergraduate studies.
- Use the sign on bonuses from current nursing jobs to pay for school.
- Find employers that offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement.
- Make a high score on the GRE.
- Work as a graduate assistant by teaching a class to help pay for tuition.
- Consider getting a part-time job the moment students consider attending CRNA school.
Choosing to attend CRNA school is a huge decision that may come with very expensive tuition. Students have many options to finance their educations so that they can become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Those considering attending CRNA school should not let the cost of tuition deter them from finding ways to finance their educations. Even if they have to work and attend school part-time, they can make their dream of attending CRNA school a reality.