Don't miss out on our most popular holiday giveaway:
Nurse GiftAway

10 Cheapest CRNA Schools

13 Min Read Published November 15, 2024
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. 

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Sponsored
Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Simmons University

The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

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

Tuition
$610 - $1,505 per credit
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

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:
Tuition
$9,280 per semester
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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:

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Sponsored
Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Simmons University

The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Tuition
$6,780 per session
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
No

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.

Tuition
$47,283 - $104,262 total tuition
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
No

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:
Tuition
$7,545 -  $12,885 per semester
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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:
Tuition
$45,000 total tuition
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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:
Tuition
$35,539.32 - $50,737.50 per year
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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:
Tuition
$8,094 per semester
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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:
Tuition
$900 -  $1,220 per credit
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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:
Tuition
$19,528 - $40,693 per year
Program Length
3 years
Accreditation
COA
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

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

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Sponsored
Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Simmons University

The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

FAQs

  • What is the cheapest CRNA school in the US?

    • Arkansas State University is the cheapest accredited CRNA program, costing $45,000.
  • Which CRNA school is the easiest to get into?

    • The Uniformed Services University has the highest overall acceptance rate. The program is free, but students must commit to a minimum seven-year military commitment after graduation.
  • What is the shortest CRNA program?

    • Students can finish CRNA programs in as little as 36 months of full-time study. Completing a CRNA program sooner is not possible because they have highly specific course progression patterns.
  • What are the odds of getting into CRNA school?

    • CRNA school is highly competitive. While there are no exact statistics, the overall CRNA acceptance rate is roughly 5-10%
Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

Read More From Kathleen
Go to the top of page