The cost of college tuition in the US largely depends on two factors: whether a university is public or private, and whether the degree you’re pursuing lasts two years or four. Besides tuition, the overall cost of higher education includes many more expenses, like the room and board often charged by four-year universities. Two-year colleges often do not include this fee since most students live off campus, and state universities may offer substantial discounts for in-state residents.

A student attending a two-year community college for an associate's degree in registered nursing, if living at home, will pay approximately $11,000 annually, including tuition, books, and associated transportation costs. However, a student at a four-year private university working towards a bachelor's in the same field will pay close to $27,000 per year, once books and room and board are included. On average, these additional expenses will end up costing thousands of dollars on top of tuition. Room and board can total $10,000 a year; transportation and miscellaneous costs might be as high as $2,500; and books, especially when purchased new, could cost approximately $1,200 per year.

An important fact to consider with technical college certificates or two-year associate’s degrees is that, while less expensive, they are programs that often result in lower-paying positions. As a result, the benefits of paying less for an education need to be balanced against the possible lower earning potential in the future. Take all of these factors into account when you examine the below list of the top nursing schools in Louisiana, from the most expensive to the least.

Baton Rouge

Delta College - Baton Rouge
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $22,100, books and supplies $1,139, room and board $12,000
School Program Length Tuition & fees
Delta College - Baton Rouge Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $22,100

New Orleans metro area

Delta College - Covington
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $22,100, books and supplies $1,197, room and board $11,250
A & W Healthcare Educators
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $18,500, books and supplies $1,355, room and board $6,000
School Program Length Tuition & fees
Delta College - Covington Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $22,100
A & W Healthcare Educators Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $18,500

Other Louisiana cities

Compass Career College
Certificate in Practical Nursing (18-month program): tuition and fees $21,590, books and supplies $1,394
Nursing Assistant Certificate (3-month program): tuition and fees $508, books and supplies $195
School Program Length Tuition & fees
Compass Career College Certificate in Practical Nursing 18 months $21,590
Nursing Assistant Certificate 3 months $508
Category: 
Louisiana