10 Cheapest CRNA Schools

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.