How to compare nursing programs using public data
Use program availability, credential level, cost, and clearly labeled outcome data together.
Net price is not sticker price
Sticker price is the published cost of attendance. Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. It reflects the average for all students, including those who receive no aid.
Net price (average)
The average amount students and their families pay for college costs after grant and scholarship aid. It includes tuition, required fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.
Use it with graduation rate, debt, and program fit
Net price is just one piece of the picture. Colleges with similar net prices can have very different outcomes. Consider how much students finish, borrow, and earn over time.
Start with credential level
Certificate, associate, and bachelor's programs can have different costs, outcomes, and licensure pathways.
Program outcomes are aggregate data
Field-of-study outcomes are federal-aid-linked and may not represent every graduate.
Example comparison
This example shows three schools with similar net prices but different outcomes.
| School | Average net price (in-state) | Graduation rate (150% time) | Median debt (at completion) | Data status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Better U Beauty Barber Academy | $20,249 | 78.6% | $7,834 | Complete |
| Aaniiih Nakoda College | $7,887 | 34.2% | Not available | Complete |
| ABC Adult School | $12,465 | 29.3% | Not available | Missing some data |
How to use this data
Use search and filters to find schools you're considering.
Compare average net price across schools.
Look at graduation rate and median debt.
Consider program options, location, and your goals.