Once you have been accepted into your specific nursing program, you should create a budget so that you can concentrate on your studies, not your expenses.
Cost of Attendance by Program
BSN-DNP|DNP
Nursing program cost of attendance (COA) covers the period from the first day of class in mid-August to the following August. Students are not required to take out the full COA. Many students are able to live well within the amount provided for living expenses.
Any funds taken out in excess of tuition and fees, will be provided to students in three disbursements. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. The first disbursement will be available on the first day of class. The second disbursement will be in early-January. The last disbursement will be in early-May. You will need to budget accordingly.
Financial aid is flexible. If you choose to take out the full COA and realize later that you will not need the full amount, you can return funds within 120 days of the disbursement. The same is true if you do not take out the full COA and realize you need more money. Students may request up to the full COA at any point during the financial aid year.
COA is built based on the anticipated expenses of a single student. If you have dependents for whom you are financially responsible, please contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss additional options for dependent care.
COA cannot be increased for consumer debt, car payments, or a standard of living beyond that of a typical student.
| Application Submission | |
| FAFSA Available | October 1 |
| FAFSA Deadline | May 15 |
Award Notification
Financial Aid Award Letters Emailed Mid-June
Disbursement Dates (ALL nursing programs)
Federal Loan Disbursement Dates Date student receives refund
(Refunds to students are direct deposited within 14 days of disbursement date)
| Federal loan Disbursement Dates | Date student receives refund | |
| Fall 2023 | August 14, 2023 | August 18, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | January 2, 2024 | January 5, 2024 |
| Summer 2024 | May 6, 2024 | May 10, 2024 |
| 120 Day Federal Loan Excess Fund Return | ||
| Fall 2023 | November 21, 2023 | |
| Spring 2024 | April 17, 2024 | |
| Summer 2024 | July 28, 2024 | |
All expenses quoted on this page are subject to change without notice.
BSN-DNP Cost of Attendance
Once you’ve been accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Doctor of Nursing Practice program you should create a financial plan so that you can concentrate on your studies, not your expenses.
Program Value
One of the greatest financial benefits about our program is the outstanding value per dollar that we offer.Our unique curriculum allows students to complete 1st year requirements remotely with 1st year solely geared toward Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum. The 2nd and 3rd years in this program are in-person, with a curriculum focused on Nurse Anesthesia.
View the latest BSN-DNP Newsletter.
BSN-DNP Cost of Attendance 2023 - 2024
| 2023 - 2024 Cost of Attendance | Program Budget (12 Months) | Program Budget (12 Months) | Program Budget (12 Months) |
| First Year | Second Year | Third Year | |
| Tuition | $40,406 | $40,021 | $39,252 |
| Books | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Laptop Allowance | $1,222 | - | - |
| Food | $5,760 | $5,760 | $5,760 |
| Health Insurance | $4,984 | $4,984 | $4,984 |
| Loan Fees | $2,920 | $2,851 | $2,857 |
| Lodging | $15,600 | $15,600 | $15,600 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,304 | $2,304 | $2,304 |
| Program Fees | $3,418 | $3,418 | $3,418 |
| Transportation | $5,700 | $5,700 | $5,700 |
| Utilities | $3,540 | $3,540 | $3,540 |
| Total | $87,359 | $85,578 | $85,860 |
Anticipated BSN-DNP Cost of Attendance for 2024 - 2025
| 2024 - 2025 Cost of Attendance | Program Budget (12 Months) | Program Budget (12 Months) | Program Budget (12 Months) |
| First Year | Second Year | Third Year | |
| Tuition | $40,406 | $40,021 | $39,252 |
| Books | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Laptop Allowance | $1,222 | - | - |
| Food | $5,760 | $5,760 | $5,760 |
| Health Insurance | $4,984 | $4,984 | $4,984 |
| Loan Fees | $2,920 | $2,851 | $2,857 |
| Lodging | $15,600 | $15,600 | $15,600 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,304 | $2,304 | $2,304 |
| Program Fees | $3,418 | $3,418 | $3,418 |
| Transportation | $5,700 | $5,700 | $5,700 |
| Utilities | $3,540 | $3,540 | $3,540 |
| RN Licensure | $105 | - | - |
| Licensure/Boards | - | - | $1,045 |
| Total | $87,359 | $85,578 | $85,860 |
Additional Requirements and Costs
Place Hold Deposit
A deposit of $1,500 is payable to Wake Forest University School of Medicine upon acceptance to a degree program and is not refundable. The amount of $1,465 is applied to the first-year tuition.
Health insurance coverage
Students are responsible for maintaining health insurance through the medical center or other provider of their choice. For questions pertaining to health insurance, please contact UHC Student Health Insurance. For questions pertaining to health insurance on student accounts, please contact Student Financials.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance
- All Roads Scholarship: The School of Medicine All Roads Scholarship recognizes your outstanding academic achievements, community service, leadership and promise for the study and future practice of nurse anesthesia. Students must submit a FAFSA for consideration.
- To be considered for the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, (females only), you will need to complete a supplemental scholarship application obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.
External scholarships
- The NC League for Nursing Academic Scholarship Program: Scholarships available for graduate study in nursing.
- Nurses’ Educational Funds, Inc: Awards scholarships to graduate degree nursing students who are members of a national professional nursing association.
- The North Carolina Nurses Association: Provides scholarships to NC residents.
BSN-DNP students who are NC permanent residents are eligible to apply for North Carolina Forgivable Education Loans for Service.
DNP Cost of Attendance
The Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares students with the advanced skill set and knowledge that is essential for leadership in nursing, as well as improves and increases the occurrence for positive patient outcomes. The DNP program is a two-year, online program. Students are assessed tuition based on their semester hours of enrollment.
View the latest DNP newsletter.
DNP Cost of Attendance for 2023 - 2024
| 2023 - 2024 Cost of Attendance | Program Budget (12 Months) | Program Budget (12 Months) |
| First Year | Second Year | |
| Tuition | $25,146 | $19,558 |
| Books | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Laptop Allowance | $1,222 | - |
| Food | $5,760 | $5,760 |
| Health Insurance | $4,984 | $4,984 |
| Loan Fees | $2,160 | $1,869 |
| Lodging | $15,600 | $15,600 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,304 | $2,304 |
| Program Fees | $772 | $772 |
| Transportation | $5,700 | $5,700 |
| Utilities | $3,540 | $3,540 |
| Total | $68,588 | $61,487 |
DNP1 - assumes 6 credits Fall term, 5 credits Spring term, and 7 credits Summer term.
DNP2 - assumes 4 credits Fall term, 5 credits Spring term, and 5 credits Summer term.
DNP Part-time per credit: $1,397
DNP Part-time Student Fees: $772
Anticipated DNP Cost of Attendance for 2024 - 2025
| 2024 - 2025 Cost of Attendance | Program Budget (12 Months) | Program Budget (12 Months) |
| First Year | Second Year | |
| Tuition | $25,146 | $19,558 |
| Books | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Laptop Allowance | $1,222 | - |
| Food | $5,760 | $5,760 |
| Health Insurance | $4,984 | $4,984 |
| Loan Fees | $2,160 | $1,869 |
| Lodging | $15,600 | $15,600 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,304 | $2,304 |
| Program Fees | $772 | $772 |
| Transportation | $5,700 | $5,700 |
| Utilities | $3,540 | $3,540 |
| Total | $68,588 | $61,487 |
DNP1 - assumes 6 credits Fall term, 5 credits Spring term, and 7 credits Summer term.
DNP2 - assumes 4 credits Fall term, 5 credits Spring term, and 5 credits Summer term.
DNP Part-time per credit: $1,397
DNP Part-time Student Fees: $772
Additional Requirements and Costs
Place Hold Deposit
A deposit of $1,500 is payable to Wake Forest University School of Medicine upon acceptance to a degree program and is not refundable. The amount of $1,465 is applied to the first-year tuition.
Health insurance coverage
Students are responsible for maintaining health insurance through the medical center or other provider of their choice. For questions pertaining to health insurance, please contact UHC Student Health Insurance. For questions pertaining to health insurance on student accounts, please contact Student Financials.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
- DNP students who are NC permanent residents are eligible to apply for North Carolina Forgivable Education Loans for Service.
- The Judith Griffin Fryrear, RN, MSN Nursing Scholarship – awarded biannually to a Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Nurse from the Winston-Salem campus applying to the Wake Forest Post-Masters DNP program with financial need. Interested applicants must complete a FAFSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
View helpful answers to some of the most frequently asked surrounding financial aid, scholarship and more.Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions
Where do I find cost of attendance information for a specific program?
- MD Program
- PA Program
- Nursing Programs
- Graduate Programs
I am a prospective student. When do I start the financial aid application process?
Please apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal loan funding. The FAFSA is required in order to obtain federal loan funds.
What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
The deadline for submission of all financial aid information for the MD and PA programs is March 15. The deadline for submission of all financial aid information for the Nursing programs is May 15.
How do I find information about outside scholarships?
For MD external scholarships, students should visit the AAMC and the AMA for information on potential outside scholarship resources. Students are encouraged to check with their local towns for potential scholarship funding sources as well.
Nursing students should visit the The NC League for Nursing Academic Scholarship Program and Nurses' Educational Funds, Inc for information on potential outside scholarship sources.
The Office of Financial Aid receives scholarship information from various organizations periodically throughout the academic year. Students are notified about these scholarship opportunities via email, CANVAS, and the WakeUP student portal.
The following resources are a great start as you search for outside scholarships:
- AAMC FIRST for Medical Education Financial Info and Tools
- Website searches from Fast Web, SallieMae College Planning, and the College Board
- Financial Aid Information Page
Resources for Nursing Students
- BSNDNP students who are NC permanent residents are eligible to apply for North Carolina Forgivable Education Loans for Service.
- We are approved by the Veteran's Administration (VA) as a qualified educational program, for those who qualify for VA benefits.
- BSN-DNP Newsletter | DNP Newsletter
How long do I have to accept or decline my financial aid award package?
Accept or decline your award package online within 14 days of receipt. (All Programs)
How do outside scholarships affect my financial aid package?
Your financial aid package may be affected by outside scholarships. Receipt of outside scholarships and other resources must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid and will result in a review of your financial aid package. Students should inform the Office of Financial Aid of these resources in writing.
A portion of my financial aid will cover my living expenses. When and how do I receive this money?
Funds are disbursed at the beginning of each semester, and dates vary depending on your class. After tuition and other fees have been paid, you will receive a refund of any remaining funds. After receipt of your refund, you should consider:
- Tracking your expenses for one month to establish a baseline of your expenses.
- Dividing your disbursement by the number of months you need to cover. Spend only this amount each month, and your funds should last until your next disbursement.
- Being creative!
- Depositing your whole disbursement into your savings account and paying yourself monthly.
- Paying all fixed expenses for the semester (rent, insurance, car payments, etc.) as soon as you receive your disbursement.
Can I receive loans to cover costs that exceed the standard budget?
Students are not allowed to receive loans or scholarships in excess of the cost of attendance (COA), which is determined based on the anticipated expenses of a single student. COA cannot be increased for consumer debt, car payments or a standard of living beyond that of a typical student. If you do not take out the full COA and realize you need more money, you may request up to the full COA at any point during the financial aid year. If you choose to take out the full COA and realize later that you will not need the full amount, you can return funds to your student account within 120 days of the disbursement date.
How do I qualify for loan forgiveness?
The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Qualifying employment requires you to work full time for 10 years in either a nonprofit, government, military or public service organization. While working in a qualifying public service position, you must make 120 on-time payments in an eligible repayment plan.
For more information, visit the Association of American Medical Colleges and Institute for College Access and Success.