Is Aspen University Nursing School Worth It? Nurses Review

Image via Aspen 

Aspen University’s nursing school offers many educational pathways for nurses. As of October 2022, Aspen has voluntarily surrendered its AZ license for prelicensure nursing programs; however, it is still offering RN to BSN and advanced nursing degrees at this time.  Read on to learn more about Aspen University’s nursing program and if it’s right for you.

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Stats

• Private or Public: Private
• General Tuition: $150 to $375 per credit hour
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A
• Application Deadlines: Rolling
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information

• Address: 4615 E. Elwood St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85040
• Email: info@aspen.edu
• Phone Number: (800) 373-7814
• Social platforms:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Additional Info:

• Rankings: Aspen University is unranked on US News and World Reports.
• Total number of students: 9,563
• Graduation rate: 46.2%
• Student/faculty ratios: 20:1
• Metrics about clinical hours: N/A

Degrees Offered

RN to BSN Completion Program

• Tuition: $10,649
• Program Length: 12 Months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Tuition: $13,120
• Program Length: 20 Months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

MSN - Forensic Nursing

• Tuition: $13,318
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

MSN – Informatics

• Tuition: $13,120
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

MSN - Nursing Administration and Management

• Tuition: $13,370
• Program Length: 18 to 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

MSN - Nursing Education

• Tuition: $13,318
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

MSN - Public Health

• Tuition: $13,318
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

RN to MSN - Forensic Nursing

• Tuition: $20,762
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

RN to MSN Informatics

• Tuition: $20,564
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

RN to MSN - Nursing Administration and Management

• Tuition: $20,814
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

RN to MSN - Nursing Education

• Tuition: $20,762
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

RN to MSN - Public Health

• Tuition: $20,762
• Program Length: 24 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP

• Tuition: $28,320
• Program Length: 24-48 months
• Online Options Available?  Yes and clinical immersion

Specialties Offered

MSN

• Forensic Nursing
• Informatics
• Nursing Education
• Administration and Management
• Public Health

MSN (RN to MSN)

• Forensic Nursing
• Informatics
• Nursing Education
• Administration and Management
• Public Health

Is Aspen University’s Nursing School a Good Nursing Program?

As mentioned previously, Aspen voluntarily surrendered its prelicensure nursing license. Its 58% NCLEX pass rate was below the minimum NCLEX pass rate as stipulated by the state. It is, however, still accredited for its other nursing programs.

What Do You Need to Get Into Aspen University’s Nursing Program?

Aspen University’s Nursing program has a 100% acceptance rate for students who complete the required application and education requirements. There are no waitlists or pre-requisite courses at most locations. 

Students must complete the following for acceptance into the program:

• Completed application
• High school transcripts: An official transcript demonstrating a completed high school diploma
  • Waived if the student has completed at least 15 credits of college-level coursework at an institution that is accredited by a
  • CHEA-recognized accrediting body or an international equivalent
  • Applicants who have a GED will enroll as continuing education (non-degree seeking) students and complete the following courses: COM100, MAT140, MAT130, BIO210, and CMP160. After completion of those credits, students with a 2.75 cumulative GPA may reapply for the BSN Pre-Licensure program
• Official transcripts for all previous college credits earned
• Submission of the signed Nursing Essential Functions form
• Minimum GPA: a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for all previous high school or college credits
• HESI A2: Minimum required scores for English Composite-80; Math-80; A&P-75
  • Students must meet all required scores on the first attempt
  • The exams must be taken at Aspen University
  • Scores from other institutions or locations are not accepted
• Criminal background check: Submission of a passed criminal background check
• Fingerprint clearance card: Submission of a fingerprint clearance card

How Hard is the Nursing Program at Aspen University?

Like every accredited nursing program, Aspen University’s nursing program is challenging and requires significant dedication to succeed.  

According to GradReports.com, 78% of students recommend the nursing program at Aspen and say that their degree improved their career prospects.

What Kind of Support Does Aspen University Provide?

Aspen University boasts an impressive student portal with a self-service resource center. It provides an all-encompassing location for students to access their program curriculum plan, payment history, register for courses, and connect with their academic advisor. Additionally, the student portal allows students to do the following:

• Schedule new student orientation
• Make payments online
• Download copies of their unofficial transcripts
• View their financial aid award information
• Generate financial receipts
• Update contact information
• Access to online social communities
• Access employment services
• Connect with an academic advisor

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How Much Is the Nursing Program at Aspen University?

Aspen University’s nursing school fees and total costs may vary depending on the campus as well as the program.  The university recommends that prospective students speak with an admissions advisor or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate their costs.

Their online tuition page is quite impressive and is very clear on the costs of each of the programs.

A Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education costs:

• Cost per credit: $325
• Tuition: $11,700
• Est. Fees: $1,618
• Est. Books: $1,800

Is Aspen University’s Nursing School Worth It?

Many students want to know if the cost of Aspen University’s nursing program is worth the expected salary. Some of the factors that students must consider before choosing a nursing program include:

• The type of healthcare institution where you will be employed
• The city and state will you live
• Whether you work part-time or full-time
• Whether you pick up overtime shifts or weekends (for a higher hourly wage)?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses earn a median annual salary of $77,600 per hour or $37.31 per hour. However, the range varies widely depending on many of the factors mentioned above. 

According to ZipRecruiter, nurse salaries range from $35,500 to $123,500, with an annual mean salary of $76,289.  Keep in mind that nurses who live in cities and states with a higher cost of living typically earn much higher salaries than nurses who work in more rural areas.

Another feature that may make Aspen University an excellent choice for some is that the university offers online courses that are available to students anytime and from practically anywhere to help them better balance their schedules. Students, especially adult learners, can work during their program. 

What is Aspen University’s Nursing School Transfer Policy?

The Aspen University website recognizes degrees and credits students have earned at a previous institution or have experiential learning. 

Aspen University measures courses in semester credit hours. Converting clock hours to credit hours for the purpose of transfer credit is calculated as follows; one semester credit hour is equal to 45 clock hours.

Example: 100 clock hours is equivalent to 2 semester credit hours.

• Students who intend to apply for transfer credits must submit the following with their admissions package: Official transcripts or official foreign evaluations for all potential transfer credits
• Course descriptions for all potential transfer credits

Aspen University Nursing School Reviews

"I began my journey at Aspen University in May 2021 striving to obtain my BSN in Nursing. The entire program is very doable, and the professors are knowledgeable and very responsive. The program definitely encourages self-learning and makes sure proper time management is utilized. I continued working full-time in a busy acute care hospital while juggling my personal responsibilities of caring for my wife and daughter all while attending the program. I learned a great deal about nursing theory, nursing research, and informatics that I did learn in my ASN program. I have gained so much knowledge and a much better understanding of the history as well as the future of nursing. The out-of-pocket payment plan is fair, and it is difficult to get so much bang for your buck at any other online program! Obtaining my BSN is a stepping stone for my future dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. Thanks to Aspen I will be starting my FNP program this fall (August 2022)! So thankful to the university and the great staff that made this possible!"
– Marlon Charles 

"I learned a great deal completing my BSN. Although able to work in critical care for the past 25+years, the BSN program provided more extensive nursing education in leadership, community health and informatics. If I decide to change positions away from bedside nursing, I'll have more options available. The best part was doing it at my own pace and paying as I go. Thank you Aspen. Also, the instructors were very helpful and supportive."

– Toni Stockman 

"This program kept me from having to add to my student loan debt and allowed me to keep up with my grades while working a full time job. I will be using this degree to advance my career and will consider this college for future degrees. Aspen is affordable and adequate in academics. I learned a lot!!"
– Melissa Ford

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