Nursing school is worth it because it is an investment in your future. It can provide a pathway toward a nursing career with competitive earning potential, strong job growth, and numerous opportunities for career advancement. You could get started sooner than you’d think with an ABSN program.
Is nursing school worth it for you? If you’re considering becoming a nurse, you may have questions about the profession and career path. Is nursing school as hard as it seems? Is a nursing degree worth it? The answer depends on your goals, strengths, and readiness for the commitment. Is nursing a good career? Nursing offers strong salary potential, favorable employment prospects, and diverse career options.
With Felician University’s Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you can earn a BSN in as few as 16 months after completing prerequisites. The Hybrid ABSN in Parsippany, New Jersey, features online coursework and in-person experiences, while the On-Ground ABSN in Rutherford, New Jersey, is entirely in person. These options let you select the format that best fits your learning preferences.
Is nursing a good career for you? As you decide, consider what makes nursing school a worthwhile investment and why an ABSN program may be a practical pathway.
Is a Nursing Degree Worth It?
A nursing degree may be worthwhile if you enjoy critical thinking, problem-solving, and working closely with others. Nursing education can also help you build adaptability and remain calm under pressure.
You’ll learn to collaborate with your nursing cohort and, later, your colleagues while building rapport with patients. A nursing degree can support both personal growth and professional opportunities.
There are many nursing schools to choose from. Learn how to select the right program for you.
Is Nursing a Good Career?
Nursing can be demanding, but it also offers substantial benefits. Is nursing school worth it for you? Consider how the career aligns with your priorities.
Strong Job Demand
Nursing offers strong employment prospects. Demand for nurses is expected to increase as the population ages. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people over the age of 80 will triple by 2050, increasing the need for geriatric care.
In the U.S., demand for RNs also remains strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for RNs is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Competitive Salary Potential
Registered nurses can earn competitive salaries. According to the U.S. BLS, the median annual wage for RNs was $97,550 in May 2025. Nurses who pursue roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may have higher earning potential. According to the BLS, nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) earned a median annual wage of $134,920 in May 2025.
If nursing school costs are a concern, view tuition as a long-term investment in your career. The degree can support future earning potential.
Career Growth
Nursing also offers many paths for advancement. With a graduate nursing degree, you could pursue certification and licensure as an APRN, such as an NP or CNM. Advanced practice nurses can choose from many specialties.
You could also move away from bedside care and pursue roles as a nurse educator, researcher, administrator, or manager. Each path offers a different way to influence patient care.
Is an ABSN Worth It?
An accelerated nursing program requires a significant commitment, so evaluate your decision carefully. Is an ABSN worth it for you? Consider the following factors.
Designed for Career Changers
Students enter nursing from many backgrounds, and not all begin nursing school immediately after high school. An ABSN program provides a fast-track to earning a BSN for career changers with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits. ABSN cohorts may include students of different ages and professional backgrounds, helping career changers learn alongside peers with varied experiences.
Earn Your BSN in Less Time
An ABSN may be worthwhile if you want to enter nursing sooner. At Felician University, you can earn a BSN in as few as 16 months after completing prerequisites. If you pass the NCLEX-RN soon after graduation and meet state licensing requirements, you could become a registered nurse in less than two years.
Earlier Hands-On Learning Through Labs and Clinicals
Compared with a traditional BSN program, an ABSN introduces hands-on learning early. You’ll practice in nursing skills and simulation labs and begin clinical rotations during the first semester. These experiences help prepare you to apply your skills in clinical settings despite the shorter timeline.
Things to Consider Before Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program
Is a nursing degree worth it? It can be, but consider several factors before choosing an ABSN:
- The financial commitment of returning to school
- The need for a strong support system in your personal life
- The need to complete prerequisites before enrollment
- The time required for a full schedule of classes, labs, clinicals, and NCLEX-RN prep
If you have been out of school for several years, you may also benefit from refreshing your study skills.
Felician professor discusses some of the challenges of being a nurse, as well as solutions.
Questions to Ask Before Deciding If Nursing School Is Worth It
Is an ABSN worth it for you? Your answers to the following questions can help you decide whether to pursue nursing.
Do You Meet the Requirements for an ABSN?
Before deciding whether an ABSN is right for you, confirm your eligibility. When you contact an admissions counselor at Felician University, have an unofficial copy of your transcripts available. You may meet the admissions requirements if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Are You Ready for the Pace of an Accelerated Program?
An accelerated program can be intense, but Felician University provides a supportive learning community as you progress toward graduation. You can form study groups with peers and benefit from a personalized learning experience and faculty mentorship.
Does Nursing Match Your Strengths and Career Goals?
What do you want from your career? You may want to specialize in a particular area or work in a specific setting. Consider whether nursing can support those goals and whether your strengths align with the profession. Nurses need strong communication, interpersonal, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
Does Nursing School Make Financial Sense for You?
Is nursing school worth it financially? Paying nursing school tuition requires planning, but a nursing degree may support your long-term earning potential. Consider the total cost, available financial aid, and your budget before deciding. Consider also your earning potential and advancement opportunities as a nurse.
Why Choose Felician University's ABSN Program?
Felician University’s ABSN program provides a values-based education that emphasizes love, service, respect, and the search for truth while preparing nurse candidates to serve as leaders. Felician University’s low student-to-instructor ratio supports individualized attention. Students also learn in a positive, supportive environment with a practice-ready focus.
Request info today and connect with an admissions counselor to get started. Felician University has no waitlist, and you can choose between hybrid and on-ground learning options.