Most Affordable Online LPN Programs

Whether you’re looking for a steppingstone to RN certification or a launchpad into the workforce, earning your LPN certification is a valuable step in your nursing career and can lead to professional opportunities in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, and more. Like many prospective nursing students, however, you may at some point have thought that this certification was out of reach because programs were too inflexible, didn’t align with your schedule, or — most importantly of all — were simply too expensive. Fortunately, affordable online LPN programs are available that can meet your needs and prepare you for your future, all without straining your budget.

Regardless of where you are in your search, there are a few key aspects you’ll want to consider before beginning your program, including accreditation, financial aid, payment plans, and access to educational resources. We explore these features, top affordable online LPN programs that offer them, available scholarships, and more in this guide.

A Look at Affordable Online LPN Programs

Getting your LPN doesn’t have to interfere with your schedule or your budget. Affordable online LPN programs offer remote courses that allow you to work toward certification without sacrificing your current professional or personal responsibilities. The best of these also offer scholarship opportunities, student discounts, and customizable payment plans. Let’s take a closer look at a few below.

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Features of an Affordable LPN Program

When choosing your LPN program, it’s important to know the signs of high-quality instruction and affordability. Reputable institutions with affordable online LPN programs will be accredited, offer financial aid services and funding opportunities, and have open access to program resources, among other features we’ll discuss in greater detail below.

Accreditation

Accreditation is not only an indicator of a reputable institution and high-quality programs, but a key factor in determining whether students are eligible for federal financial aid. When looking for affordable online LPN programs, make sure to do some research on the institution’s website to confirm their accreditation status with bodies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Discounts or Waivers

Some institutions offer special discounts or waivers to members of certain groups. Veterans, for example, may receive discounts or tuition waivers to help cover their program costs. Students can use this financial assistance to cover tuition or materials.

Financial Aid Options

Students can make their LPN program more affordable by taking advantage of their institution’s financial aid services. Grants and scholarships are among the most common types of funding, but some institutions also offer work-study programs or loans. You should also complete the FAFSA to make yourself eligible for additional financial aid opportunities.

Open Educational Resources

Behind tuition, course materials can be some of the most expensive parts of an LPN program. To make your LPN program more affordable, look for programs that offer open access to educational resources. These could include textbooks, learning modules, digital libraries, and other material that can support your studies and/or clinicals.

Payment Plans

Paying tuition in full upfront can be challenging, if not impossible, for many students. To alleviate this burden, some institutions allow students to pay for their LPN program in installments, rather than all at once. Bear in mind, however that while these payment plans have many benefits, they may also come with more rigorous protocols and steep late fees that you should be aware of prior to committing. To avoid any potential issues, discuss all stipulations with your institution’s department of financial aid.

How to Reduce the Cost of Your Online Nursing Program

Most high-quality LPN programs can be made affordable with the right financial planning. In addition to attending a school with the features listed above, there are a number of creative ways you can reduce the cost of your education – some of which you may already be doing. Here are some simple and effective strategies for making your LPN program more affordable:

Apply for Scholarships and Grants

The first step in making your LPN program more affordable is applying for scholarships and grants, as these can significantly lower your costs. You should apply for as many as possible through federal, state, and university sources. To manage your applications effectively, plan to apply to a certain number of scholarships and grants on a weekly or monthly basis.

Budget and Make a Financial Plan

After applying for financial aid and receiving funding assistance through scholarships, grants, discounts, or loans, you’ll have a clear idea of how much your LPN program will cost. At that point, it will be time to make a financial plan to ensure you can make your payments. Start by making a budget and setting aside the amount you’ll need for your program and other essentials in small amounts, ideally on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Maintain Part-Time Employment

With a flexible online LPN program, working adults can maintain part-time employment throughout the duration of their studies. Make sure your program offers asynchronous learning, so you can access your course materials at any time without compromising your work schedule.

Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Assistance

As part of your employee benefits package, you may be eligible to receive partial or full tuition coverage for your LPN program. While your employer may cover any LPN program of your choosing, some have partnerships with specific universities. If tuition assistance is not part of your benefits, you may still be able to take advantage of this opportunity by making a pitch to your employer.

Scholarships for LPN/LVN Students

Scholarships are far and away the best source of financial aid, and applying for those specifically for LPN students can significantly lower the cost of your program. These funds, which never have to be repaid, can cover not only tuition and program fees, but course materials, and nursing equipment. Use the scholarships listed here as a starting point and look for additional opportunities through your university, city, and state.