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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in New York

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY Hunter College delivers the state's most affordable nursing education at just $2,446 net cost while producing graduates who earn $94,255 annually. This striking combination places Hunter among New York's best nursing program values, especially significant given the state's massive healthcare workforce demands across its 200+ hospitals and extensive long-term care network. The CUNY system dominates the most affordable options, claiming seven of the top eight spots with net costs under $6,000. Students can access quality nursing education for under $5,000 at institutions like Lehman College ($3,482) and City College ($3,486), while private alternatives like Monroe College cost $10,376. New York's nursing graduates enter a job market where registered nurses earn median salaries exceeding $87,000, supported by the state's role as a major medical research center and its aging population driving healthcare demand. The earnings potential justifies even higher-cost options, with most programs producing graduates earning well above the national nursing average.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $30,521
Net Price Range
$78,741
Avg. Program Earnings
55.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
3 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
4 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
5 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
6 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
7 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
8 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
9 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
10 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
11 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
12 $14,117 $19,126 27.5%
13 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
14 $14,642 $15,891 18.3%
15 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
16 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
17 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
18 $16,055 $17,680 42.9% 96.9%
19 $16,547 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
20 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
21 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
22 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
23 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
24 $18,430 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
25 $18,740 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
26 $19,585 $33,560 56.7% 84.0%
27 $19,920 $42,740 57.1% 88.9%
28 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
29 $20,470 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
30 $20,709 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
31 $21,236 $19,820 19.2% 68.1%
32 $21,364 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
33 $21,547 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
34 $21,614 $27,570 52.3% 84.3%
35 $21,869 $24,308 55.5% 80.9%
36 $23,027 $36,756 65.7% 73.6%
37 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
38 $23,735 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
39 $23,736 $41,370 65.7% 88.3%
40 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
41 $25,989 $38,000 48.8% 92.8%
42 $26,187 $33,060 56.8% 89.0%
43 $26,556 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
44 $26,870 $37,840 71.8% 76.6%
45 $27,733 $52,000 68.1% 68.5%
46 $28,150 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
47 $28,348 $47,290 68.9% 72.8%
48 $29,800 $52,849 46.2% 59.7%
49 $30,248 $64,348 84.5% 38.9%
50 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY nursing programs so affordable compared to other options?

CUNY schools benefit from substantial state funding that keeps tuition low for in-state students. Hunter College charges just $7,382 in-state tuition while Lehman College costs $7,410, creating net costs under $3,500 after financial aid. These public institutions also receive additional support through New York's TAP grant program. The cost advantage becomes stark when compared to private options like Monroe College at $17,922 tuition.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable nursing programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range from 19.4% to 61% among the cheapest options. CUNY Hunter leads with a 61% graduation rate despite its low $2,446 net cost, while NYC College of Technology struggles at 19.4%. Farmingdale State achieves 57.1% graduation rates at $9,173 net cost. Monroe College, the private option, maintains 57.5% graduation rates but costs significantly more.

What salary expectations should nursing graduates have in New York?

New York nursing graduates typically earn between $87,000 and $95,000 annually, well above national averages. CUNY Lehman graduates earn $95,348 while Hunter graduates make $94,255, demonstrating that affordable programs don't compromise earning potential. Even graduates from programs like York College earn $87,973. The high salaries reflect New York's competitive healthcare market and cost of living adjustments.

Does student debt load differ significantly among affordable nursing programs?

Student debt varies considerably even among low-cost programs, ranging from $9,311 to $29,490. NYC College of Technology graduates carry the lowest debt at $9,311 despite very low net costs. CUNY schools generally maintain debt levels between $12,500 and $20,000. Private institutions like Monroe College and Bryant & Stratton show much higher debt loads around $28,000-29,000, reflecting their higher tuition costs.

Where do the most competitive yet affordable nursing programs stand on admissions?

Acceptance rates among affordable programs range from Hunter's selective 47.86% to more open institutions accepting over 80% of applicants. Hunter College maintains the most competitive admissions while offering the lowest net cost, creating strong value. Lehman College accepts 55.31% of applicants while York College admits 59.14%. More accessible options include Medgar Evers at 87.65% acceptance and Canton at 94.91%.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.