Chamberlain University: Understanding Tuition and Fees
Choosing a college is a big decision, and understanding the costs associated with tuition and fees is a crucial factor. Chamberlain University, the nation’s largest school of nursing, offers various programs with distinct tuition structures. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Chamberlain University's tuition and expenses, breaking down the costs associated with different programs and providing insights into financial aid options. Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni.
Overview of Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit institution. Located in Columbus, OH, Chamberlain University has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 79% and a high yield rate of 58%. The graduation rate is moderate at 50%, while the retention rate is high at 67%. Chamberlain University is accredited by the CCNE, which evaluates all nursing schools and programs in the US.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Tuition
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Chamberlain University is known for its holistic approach, combining online and on-campus learning with real-world skills gained through lab and clinical experiences. Nursing students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as three years of full-time study.
Effective July 2025, the costs associated with the BSN program are as follows:
- Application Fee: \$95
- HESI Admission Assessment (A2): \$
- Tuition:
- Addison, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Irving, Phoenix, Troy: \$765 per credit hour
- Columbus, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Miramar, North Brunswick, New Orleans, Pearland, San Antonio, St. Louis: \$765 per credit hour
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: \$100 per session
- Other Clinical (related fees may apply): Varies by state
RN to BSN Tuition
For Registered Nurses looking to further their education, Chamberlain University offers an RN to BSN program. GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. The costs associated with the RN to BSN program, effective January 2024, are:
- Application Fee: \$60
- Tuition: \$635 per credit hour
- Student Services Charge: \$200 per session
- Course Resource Fee: \$100 per course
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment: \$100 per session
- Other Clinical (related fees may apply): Varies by state
- Military Rates*: \$200 - \$280 per credit hour
- Alumni Rate: \$507 per credit hour
*Military rate is defined as active duty, veterans, retired military, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs employees and spouses of active duty/veteran/retired military.
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MSN & Certificate Expenses
Chamberlain University also provides opportunities for nurses to specialize their practice with MSN and certificate programs. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers many MSN specialties, both clinical and non-clinical. The expenses for these programs, effective January 2025, are:
- Application Fee: \$60
- Tuition (non-NP courses): \$720 per credit hour
- Tuition (NP Courses): \$735 per credit hour
- Background Check/Drug Screening: \$150
- Student Services Charge: \$200 per session
- Course Resource Fee: \$75 per course
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment: \$75 - \$175 per session
- APRN Fee: \$450 per NP course
- Military Rates*: \$576-\$588 per credit hour
- Alumni Rates: \$576-\$588 per credit hour
*Military rate is defined as active duty, veterans, retired military, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs employees and spouses of active duty/veteran/retired military.
DNP Degree Expenses
For those pursuing the highest level of nursing education, Chamberlain University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The expenses for the DNP program, effective January 2025, are:
- Application Fee: \$60
- Tuition: \$830 per credit hour
- Background Check/Drug Screening: \$130
- Student Services: \$640 per session
- Course Resource Fee: \$75 per course
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment: \$100 per session
- Military Rates*: \$664 per credit hour
- Alumni Rate: \$664 per credit hour
*Military rate is defined as active duty, veterans, retired military, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs employees and spouses of active duty/veteran/retired military.
Additional Financial Considerations
Variations in Costs
It’s important to note that costs are subject to change each session and vary by individual circumstances. To get an accurate estimate of your individual costs, it is recommended to use the school's net price calculator.
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Military and Alumni Rates
Chamberlain University offers reduced tuition rates for military personnel (active duty, veterans, retired military, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs employees and spouses) and alumni in certain programs.
Additional Fees
Beyond tuition, students should budget for expenses such as books, course materials, supplies, equipment, and potential clinical-related fees, which can vary by state.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid Statistics
Financial aid can significantly offset the cost of tuition. Financial aid refers to funding that students can use to pay for college and is generally awarded based on need or merit. Need-based aid is determined by your or your family’s demonstrated ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or athletic or academic achievement.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation. Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.
Student Loans
Student loans are a common way to finance education. At Chamberlain University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$20,919. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is \$222.
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Net Price and Total Cost
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. The net price is the average cost of the university after aid and scholarship funds are discounted from the total cost.
Student Debt vs. Annual Income
A good rule of thumb is to keep total debt less than your child's expected annual income. That way they should be able to afford to repay their loans in 10 years or less. You'll also want to compare your child's monthly payments to their monthly income. Anything less than 10% is considered affordable, 15% is a stretch, and anything over 20% is not recommended.
Additional Resources
Net Price Calculator
Chamberlain University provides a net price calculator to help prospective students estimate their costs after considering financial aid and scholarships.
Student Loan Options
Several lenders offer student loans with varying interest rates and repayment terms. Some popular lenders include Sallie Mae, College Ave, and Ascent Funding.
Saving for College
Saving early can significantly reduce the amount of debt needed to finance a college education. Tools are available to calculate the monthly contributions necessary to meet different savings targets.
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