10 Cheapest CRNA Schools
Certified registered nurse anesthetist school is among the most expensive advanced nursing programs, which can prohibit nurses from pursuing the field. But that doesn't have to be the case! While most programs cost over $100,000, some affordable CRNA schools cost as little as $45,000.
To help you find a school that suits your needs, we compiled a list of the top ten cheapest CRNA programs nationwide. Read on to learn about the best affordable CRNA schools.
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Top 10 Cheapest CRNA Schools
Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
|
Program |
Accreditation |
Program Length |
Tuition |
|
The University of Alabama at Birmingham |
COA |
3 years |
Resident: $610 per credit hour Non-Resident: $1,505 per credit hour |
|
The University of Southern Mississippi |
COA |
3 years |
$9,280 per semester |
|
Webster University |
COA |
3 years |
$6,780 per session |
|
East Carolina University |
COA |
3 years |
Resident: $47,283 Non-Resident: $104, 262 |
|
University of South Carolina |
COA |
3 years |
Resident: $7,545 per semester Non-Resident: $12,885 per semester |
|
Arkansas State University |
COA |
3 years |
$45,000 |
|
University of North Dakota |
COA |
3 years |
Resident: $35,539.32 per year Minnesota Resident: $42,958.08 per year Non-resident: $50,737.50 per year |
|
California State University Fullerton |
COA |
3 years |
$8,094 per semester |
|
The University of Akron |
COA |
3 years |
Resident: $900 per credit hour Non-Resident: $1,220 per credit hour |
|
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga |
COA |
3 years |
Resident: $19,528 per year Non-Resident: $40,693 per year |
UAB's CRNA program received IFNA accreditation in August 2021, completing all the requirements for the Anesthesia Program Approval Process. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) anesthesia program boasts an impressive 98% first-time national certification pass rate for the class of 2024. It also has a 100% employment rate within the first six months of graduation.
Unfortunately, federal regulations restrict some students from entering this program. Only Alabama residents or students from states where UAB School of Nursing programs are available can attend.
- Tuition Per Credit:
- Resident: $610
- Non-Resident: $1,505
- Application Deadline: May 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (205) 975-7529
- Email Address: jlavier@uab.edu
The CRNA program at Southern Mississippi officially adopted the new entry-to-practice doctorate requirements. Now, graduates of this program receive a terminal nursing degree.
As one of the cheapest nurse anesthetist schools nationwide, USM's program is highly competitive. The competition is even more intense because the program only accepts 20 to 25 students annually.
- Application Deadline: May 15th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (601) 266-5462
- Email Address: April.Franklin@usm.com
At the end of Webster University's affordable three-year CRNA program, students receive a DNAP degree. CRNA students attend most courses in person at the Webster Groves campus, with six online leadership classes in the final year. The university has clinical affiliates at 21 regional locations, giving students several networking and career opportunities.
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (314) 246-7800
- Email Address: admit@webster.edu
ECU's affordable nurse anesthesia program culminates in a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Since its inception in 2003, the CRNA program has had an overall graduation rate of 96% and a 94.4% first-time pass rate.
At ECU, North Carolina residents enjoy one of the lowest tuition costs, at less than $50,000. However, non-residents pay more than double the cost, making it less viable for out-of-state students.
- Total Tuition:
- Resident: $47,283
- Non-Resident: $104,262
- Application Deadline: September 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (252) 744-6417
- Email Address: ecunursinggradprgms@ecu.edu
Established over 50 years ago, USC's CRNA program has an impressive 95% national certification exam (NCE) pass rate and 100% employment rate within six months of graduation. This affordable program offers online coursework for the first two semesters, allowing students to delay relocating to South Carolina.
- Semesterly Tuition:
- Resident: $7,545
- Non-Resident: $12,885
- Application Deadline: August 31st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (252) 744-6417
- Email Address: anesthesia@uscmed.sc.edu
Arkansas State may have the lowest CRNA school cost nationwide, at just $45,000. Students graduate with a doctoral degree at the end of this three-year program.
Since its establishment in 2005, over 600 students have graduated from the ASU program. The class of 2024 was the first to graduate with a DNP, per new entry-to-practice regulations. The most recent graduating class had an NCE first-time pass rate of 80.7% and a second-time pass rate of 100%.
- Application Deadline: October 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (870) 972-3074
- Email Address: nursinginfo@AState.edu
UND uses various methods of instruction to provide CRNA students with a robust education experience. Notably, students get realistic clinical experience at UND's state-of-the-art simulation center.
Students attend the first year of this program at UND's Grand Forks campus. However, they transition to North Dakota, Minnesota, or South Dakota sites for the remainder of the program. The 2023 graduating class had a 100% national certification exam pass rate.
- Annual Tuition:
- Resident: $35,539.32
- Minnesota Resident: $42,958.08
- Non-resident: $50,737.50
- Application Deadline: July 15th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (701) 777-4174
- Email Address: UND.info@UND.edu
Cal-State Fullerton's three-year CRNA program partners with the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia. By partnering with one of the country's best healthcare organizations, CSUF can provide students with excellent clinical opportunities. Students in this program also have access to a state-of-the-art simulation center.
Additionally, the program demonstrates outstanding student success. The 2023 graduating class had a 94% pass rate on the national certification exam and a 100% job placement rate.
- Application Deadline: July 31st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (626) 564-3016
- Email Address: info@kpsan.org
This Ohio-based program is reasonably priced for residents and non-residents alike. It is also well-renowned, with an impressive 98% first-time pass rate for CRNA graduates. The curriculum consists of 14 core credits, 37 graduate DNP nursing courses, and 42 credits of graduate anesthesia coursework.
The University of Akron has a slightly different structure than other CRNA programs. First, students enroll in the nursing graduate programs and begin taking core classes. Then, they interview for the nurse anesthesia program to determine eligibility. If accepted, they start CRNA-specific coursework the following June.
- Tuition Per Credit:
- Resident: $900
- Non-Resident: $1,220
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (330) 972-7555
- Email Address: sb14@uakron.edu
UTC is an excellent and affordable CRNA school that does not require applicants to hold a CCRN certification. The university provides exceptional clinical experience, as CRNA students do not have to compete for clinical placements with medical anesthesiology residents.
Students can attend the Chattanooga, Tennessee, or Tupelo, Mississippi campus. However, those at the Tupelo campus will still participate in their second and third semesters in Chattanooga.
- Annual Tuition:
- Resident: $19,528
- Non-Resident: $40,693
- Application Deadline: April 12th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (423) 425-4644
What to Expect in a CRNA Program
CRNA programs are intense and time-consuming. Students must take call hours as the program progresses while maintaining their clinical rotations and classroom requirements. Students can expect to be in class, clinicals, or a simulation daily, including weekends.
The time commitment is so consuming that you cannot work while you attend. In fact, some programs even require students to sign paperwork stating that they will not work.
Admission Requirements
CRNA school requirements vary depending on the program, but general prerequisites include the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Unrestricted RN License
- GPA 3.0 in BSN Courses
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Personal Interview
- Personal Essay
- CRNA Shadow Experience
- Two Years of Bedside ICU Experience
- Life Support Certifications (ACLS, BLS, PALS)
- CCRN Certification
- Application Fees
- Criminal Background Check
- GRE Scores
- TOEFL Test
Classes & Coursework
The classes and coursework in a CRNA program ensure that graduates receive ample didactic coursework and real-world clinical experience. Some classes you can expect to take include:
- Basic Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- Professional Role in Nurse Anesthesia
- Research
- Ethics
- Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration
- Physics and Mechanics of Anesthesia Delivery Systems
- Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Anesthesia
- Neuropathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia
- Basic Pharmacology and Biochemistry of Nurse Anesthesia
- Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia
- Pharmacology of Common Anesthetic Agents
- Applied Clinical Learning in Nurse Anesthesia
- Respiratory and Cellular Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia
- Pharmacology of Autacoids and Other Chemical Mediators
- Pathophysiology of Abdominal Systems for Nurse Anesthesia
- Pharmacotherapeutics
Previously, you could become a CRNA with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. However, all CRNA programs must be DNP tracks by 2025. While most schools have already converted, some still award an MSN and are transitioning.
How to Choose a CRNA Program
Choosing the right CRNA program for your nursing journey depends on several factors, one of the most important being cost. The affordable CRNA schools on this list can help you find a program that fits your budget without sacrificing accreditation or education quality. However, you should still account for several elements before making a decision.
Other factors to consider include:
- Clinical placement(s)
- In-person vs. online didactic coursework
- Accreditation
- Student-faculty ratio
- Class size
- Certification pass rate
- Attrition rate
- Academic reputation
- Application requirements
