How Much Does the ABSN Cost — and How Do Regis Students Pay for It?

What You Can Expect to Pay for the ABSN at Regis College

Regis offers two tracks for students pursuing an accelerated nursing degree:

• A 16-month, on-campus ABSN, designed for full-time, intensive study
• A 24-month hybrid ABSN, which delivers coursework online and pairs it with on-ground labs and clinical placements

Both pathways serve students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and, importantly, both tracks have the same tuition and total credit requirements.

Tuition Overview for 2025–2026

Both accelerated nursing tracks require:

• 60 credit hours
• $1,320 per credit
• Total tuition: $79,200 (excluding fees; subject to annual updates)

Tuition is billed per credit rather than as a flat semester cost, which helps students better understand how those expenses align with their academic timeline.

Additional Fees to Consider

Like most nursing programs, the ABSN includes fees associated with clinical preparation, simulation learning, and university services. While exact amounts may vary year to year, students should expect possible costs related to:

• Simulation and lab fees (nursing programs often incorporate high-tech simulation equipment)
• ATI testing fees (standard for many nursing programs)
• Technology or service fees
• Required health insurance (unless you can waive coverage)
• Books and supplies
• Uniforms and clinical equipment
• Immunizations, background checks, and compliance requirements

Regis also requires students to budget for personal expenses such as transportation to clinical sites, meals, and living costs. These aren’t included in tuition but are important to consider when planning for the full cost of attendance.

Comparison: 16-Month vs. 24-Month ABSN

16-Month ABSN

• Format: On-campus
• Length: 4 semesters
• Credits: 60
• Tuition: $79,200
• Flexibility: Full-time, immersive

24-Month ABSN

• Format: Hybrid (online coursework + on-campus labs/clinicals)
• Length: 6 semesters
• Credits: 60
• Tuition: $79,200
• Flexibility: Allows more time for work/family scheduling

Is the ABSN Worth the Investment?

Becoming a registered nurse remains one of the most reliable, in-demand, and upwardly mobile career paths in healthcare. The accelerated format allows students to:

• Enter the workforce more quickly than through traditional 4-year BSN programs
• Start earning earlier, which shortens the time needed to recoup educational costs
• Step into a career with strong stability and room for growth

Regis’ long-standing reputation—including its ranking as the #1 accelerated BSN program in Massachusetts—along with healthy employment projections ($93,600 median salary; 5% growth projection, 2024-2034) for the coming years, help many students feel confident that their investment will pay off. And the program’s 93% NCLEX pass rate is evidence that graduates leave Regis immediately ready to begin their careers.

How Regis ABSN Students Commonly Pay for Their Education

Because the ABSN is considered a second bachelor’s degree, your financial aid eligibility is different from that of first-time undergraduate students:

• Students enrolled in Regis College’s second bachelor programs (16 & 24 Month ABSN) are eligible to apply for undergraduate federal aid. This program is eligible for federal and private student loans only at the undergraduate loan eligibility limit.
• Funding is typically a combination of federal loans, private loans, payment plans, and external scholarships.

Federal Financial Aid for ABSN Students

Most ABSN students start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While grant options are limited, federal student loans are available.

FAFSA Timing

Because the program spans more than one academic year, you may need to file the FAFSA twice:

• Year 1: covers spring and summer
• Year 2: covers fall and spring

Award letters are typically issued once all FAFSA data is resolved.

Direct Federal Loans

As second-degree undergraduate students, ABSN learners may qualify for:

• Dependent students: Up to $7,500 per academic year
• Independent students: Up to $12,500 per academic year
• Subject to aggregate lifetime loan limits, which may affect eligibility for students who borrowed heavily during their first bachelor’s degree

Loan requirements also require the completion of Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note.

Private Student Loans

Many ABSN students use private education loans to supplement federal aid. These loans:

• Are credit-based
• May require a co-signer
• Can cover remaining tuition, fees, and living expenses
• Are often selected through tools like ElmSelect, which aggregates lender options

Private loans can be especially helpful for students who have reached their federal loan limits.

Payment Plans

Regis partners with a third-party payment system (Nelnet) to offer interest-free monthly payment plans.

These plans help students:

• Reduce reliance on private loans
• Spread tuition costs evenly across the semester
• Align payments with work or family budgeting needs

For many ABSN students—particularly those balancing part-time work—payment plans create much more predictable financial planning.

External Scholarships and Grants

While institutional merit aid is generally not available for ABSN students, several outside scholarships can help reduce total costs.

• MetroWest Health Foundation Scholarship: Up to $4,000 for eligible students from one of the 25 towns in Boston’s MetroWest region who are enrolled in nursing or clinical programs.
• National and Regional Nursing Scholarships: Students often pursue the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) scholarships; the National Black Nurses Association awards; the Foundation for Nursing Education scholarships; local community foundation awards; and hospital-based or employer-related scholarships.

Award amounts vary but may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Some ABSN students will be eligible for employer tuition reimbursement after they begin working as nurses, but a few may qualify for assistance even before completing the degree, particularly if employed by healthcare organizations that support career advancement.

Common benefits include:

• Annual tuition reimbursement (often up to $5,250)
• Professional development funds
• Support for continuing education after entering the nursing workforce

While these programs may not reduce upfront ABSN costs, they can meaningfully support ongoing nursing education or future graduate study.

Strategic Partnerships

Those enrolled in the 24-month ABSN track are eligible for Regis’ Strategic Partnership Benefits program, where employees of participating organizations can take advantage of discounts—10% off tuition. 

Military and Veteran Education Benefits

Regis participates in the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, both of which can significantly reduce costs for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible dependents.

Tips to Build a Realistic ABSN Budget

Understanding tuition is just one part of financial planning. Here are practical strategies students often use to manage the full cost of the program.

1. Build a Year-by-Year or Term-by-Term Budget

Include both academic and living expenses:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing
• Food
• Clinical-related transportation
• Health insurance
• Books and materials
• Childcare, if applicable

2. Factor In Lost Income

Because the 16-month program is intensive and full-time, students must reduce work hours or pause employment entirely. Even in the more flexible 24-month program, work schedules must be built around labs and clinicals.

Planning for temporary reduced income—through savings, partner support, or careful budgeting—helps prevent surprises once the program begins.

3. Look for Hidden Savings Opportunities

Many students identify ways to reduce overall ABSN costs, such as:

• Living at home or with family
• Sharing housing with classmates
• Finding affordable transportation options
• Using used or digital textbooks
• Taking advantage of student discounts for technology and supplies

These smaller adjustments can add up significantly over 16–24 months.

4. Layer Funding Sources

Most ABSN students use multiple funding sources rather than relying on one.

A typical combination might look like:

• Federal Direct Loans
• Private education loans
• Monthly payment plans
• External scholarships
• Personal savings or part-time income (especially in the 24-month track)

Using layered funding is often the most realistic way to manage costs without overextending any single loan source.

5. Meet Early With Financial Aid Counselors

Regis offers personalized support through:

• One-on-one financial aid counseling
• Application walkthroughs
• Pre-advising calls
• Information sessions

Talking with the financial aid team early in the process can help you:

• Understand your loan eligibility
• Plan for tuition billing cycles
• Prepare a realistic monthly budget
• Explore scholarships or employer benefits you might not realize you're eligible for

Many students find this step invaluable as they assess their readiness to begin the program.

What Separates the Regis ABSN Program from the Rest

While many colleges offer accelerated nursing programs, several qualities make the Regis ABSN experience distinctive and help students feel confident in their decision to invest in the college:

• Two Pathways to Fit Your Life: Choose between a 16-month on-campus program or a 24-month hybrid option, both built on the same rigorous 60-credit nursing curriculum.
• Simulation Labs: Regis students train in simulation environments that mirror real clinical situations, helping build confidence before entering patient-care settings.
• Strong Clinical Partnerships in Greater Boston: Students complete clinical rotations in respected hospitals and healthcare systems, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and care environments.
• Personalized, Small-Cohort Learning: Faculty get to know students well, creating a close-knit educational environment that supports academic growth and skill development.
• A Proven Track Record: Regis’s ABSN has been recognized as the #1 accelerated nursing program in Massachusetts, reflecting its quality, outcomes, and longstanding reputation in the region.
• A Community Rooted in Support: From faculty to advising staff, Regis nurtures students through an intensive program that requires focus, resilience, and a commitment to nursing.

This high-level overview helps reinforce the value of the Regis experience without delving into curriculum details, employer outcomes, or student success stories—topics that will be explored more deeply in other posts in your content series.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Nursing Career

Now that you have a clearer understanding of the full ABSN cost, the types of financial aid available, and the practical strategies students use to make the program affordable, you may be wondering what comes next. 

Choosing an accelerated path into nursing is a significant investment, but with transparent tuition, strong student support, and two flexible track options, Regis College remains one of the top ABSN choices for career changers ready to move into nursing with confidence.

If you’re ready to learn more or want help mapping out your next steps, Regis offers several ways to get started. Taking the first step can bring you closer to a rewarding new career in nursing—and Regis is here to support you throughout the journey.

• Download ABSN Program Flyer

• Sign Up for Information Session

• Apply Now