Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are registered nurses (RNs) with graduate-level education who provide anesthetics to patients in surgical and other procedures.
Currently, nurse anesthetists must have an RN license and a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Nurse anesthesia programs typically range in length 36 to 51 months. Starting in 2025, all CRNAs must have a Doctor in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), according to the COA. It typically takes two years for a student with an MSN to earn a doctorate.
Continue reading for six tips that can help you learn how to pay for CRNA school.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• The demand for advanced education for CRNAs has increased. Starting in 2025, CRNAs must earn a DNAP or DNP. This did not affect CRNAs who were already active.
• CRNA school costs vary significantly, with tuition and fees ranging from around $60,000 to over $100,000 depending on the institution.
• Funding options for CRNA school include grants, scholarships, federal student loans, and private loans, with potential employer sponsorship for tuition reimbursement.
• Financial strategies for managing CRNA school expenses include choosing less expensive schools, saving money in advance, and utilizing federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
• Additional funding sources, such as grants and scholarships specifically for nurse anesthesia students, are available through professional associations such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
How Much Does CRNA School Cost?
You may have already spent a few years paying for nursing school to get your RN degree, but how much does it cost to further your education to become a nurse anesthetist?
The total cost of CRNA school (including tuition, clinical fees, and other expenses) can vary widely, depending on whether you choose to attend an out-of-state institution, a private college, or an in-state university.
For example, the 2026-2027 tuition and fees at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, are an estimated $170,243. In contrast, if you are already an RN with an MSN, the tuition and fees are approximately $45,030 at Arkansas State University. There are additional costs associated with a CRNA degree, such as books, supplies, licensing, insurance, and exam fees.
Note that the average nursing school cost can vary widely, ranging from $10,000 for an associate degree to over $200,000 for an advanced degree.
Recommended: Important FAFSA Deadlines to Know
6 Tips to Help You Pay for CRNA School
Let’s look at nine tips you can use to pay for CRNA school, from choosing a less expensive school to answering the question, “Will financial aid pay for CRNA school?”
1. Choose a Less Expensive School
You can save money by choosing a less expensive school or by having residency in the state where you want to attend school. For example, the total cost of attending Georgetown University’s DNAP program for the first year is $150,426, $92,561 for the second year, and $78,784 for the third year, regardless of residency.
The cost to attend the University of Iowa is $85,690 if you’re an in-state resident or $163,805 if you’re an out-of-state resident.
It’s important to compare and contrast the costs of several programs before you decide which school will both meet your needs and help you save money.
2. Save Money
You may also want to consider saving money for college to reduce the amount of money you’ll have to borrow for CRNA education. Knowing the costs of the schools on your shortlist can help you set aside a certain amount of money. However, remember that you may receive scholarships and grants that you don’t have to pay back. You might not need to save for the full cost of a nurse anesthetist program. One way to understand your exact costs is to meet with the financial aid offices of the schools you’re considering. They can give you an idea of the type of institutional financial aid you could qualify for.
There are a wide variety of ways to save, including through a general savings account, certificate of deposit, or a 529 plan — a state tax-advantaged plan that will allow you to withdraw funds tax-free to cover nearly any type of college expense. 529 plans may also have additional state or federal tax benefits.
3. FAFSA and Financial Aid
The FAFSA is a form you can complete to determine your eligibility for student financial aid, which can include scholarships, grants and federal student loans.
College grants are “free money” that you typically don’t have to pay back. The AANA offers members grants to develop health care policy, anesthesia science, education, clinical practice, and leadership opportunities. With the proper documentation, the Foundation will reimburse up to 15% of indirect costs. The best way to learn more is to ask questions through the financial aid offices of the schools you’re considering.
Like grants, you do not have to pay back scholarships and other aid awards. The AANA also offers scholarships. Students who are AANA members and currently enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program may be eligible for scholarships as long as they are in good standing in their program, meet the application requirements, and apply online. In addition, the university you plan to attend may also offer merit-based scholarships. Contact your school’s financial aid office to see what they offer and how to apply.
Similar to student loans for undergrads, you can get student loans for graduate school, which must be repaid. As a graduate student, you may be eligible for federal Direct Unsubsidized loans that come from the U.S. Education Department. The benefits of federal loans include a six-month grace period before repayment and flexible repayment plans if you’re eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This means that if you make 120 monthly payments under such a repayment plan, you might get your loans forgiven as long as you work full-time for a qualifying employer.
Note that Direct PLUS loans, also called Graduate PLUS loans, will no longer be available to grad students beginning July 1, 2026.
Learn more about the FAFSA with SoFi’s comprehensive FAFSA guide.
4. Work More
If you’re already working as a nurse, you may want to pick up more hours before you start your CRNA degree. Nurse anesthesia programs are labor-intensive, so most students find it difficult to work while attending CRNA school. However, you can save up as much as possible before starting school.
If you must work during your degree, you may want to limit your hours.
5. Get an Employer to Pay for Your Education
Will a hospital pay you to go to CRNA school? Hospitals and groups often offer tuition reimbursement to offset loan debt. However, you may have to sign a tuition reimbursement payback agreement, which means you may have to pay back your reimbursement if you leave the company within a specific period of time.
Ask your human resources office and read the fine print if your hospital has an agreement requiring you to repay tuition if you are laid off or fired.
6. Private Student Loans
Private student loans originate with a bank, credit union, or online lender, unlike government-offered federal student loans. Private student loans can fill in the gaps between tuition and your savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.
It’s a good idea to explore the interest rates, fees, repayment terms, discharge, and repayment options among private student loan lenders.
The application process involves submitting your personal information, the school you plan to attend, your graduation date, and the loan amount you need. You must also agree to the lender’s terms and conditions.
It’s important to note that private student loans don’t offer the same borrower protections, such as income-driven repayment plans, as federal student loans, so they are typically considered an option only after you have thoroughly reviewed all other financing opportunities.
Recommended: Guide to Nursing Student Loans
How Much Can CRNAs Expect to Make?
Nurse anesthetists can expect to earn an average salary of $231,700, or $111.39 per hour. The job outlook for CRNAs will grow about 35% from 2022 to 2034 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Takeaway
There are many ways to make your dreams of becoming a CRNA a reality. Everyone should file the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans, grants, and other types of funds. The AANA also offers scholarships that you may qualify for. Don’t forget to check with your employer and local businesses for other funds.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Can you get paid for going to CRNA school?
You typically cannot get paid to attend Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) school, but universities often offer a wide variety of merit-based and need-based financial aid options. You may need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for certain types of aid. Check with the financial aid offices at the universities you’re considering for more information about your financial aid options.
How much does CRNA school cost?
The cost of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) school depends on a wide range of factors, including whether you plan to attend an in-state or out-of-state institution or a private or public school. For example, the three-year program at Georgetown University, a private institution, costs $321,771. On the other hand, the three-year program at the University of Iowa for an in-state resident costs $85,690 or $163,805 for an out-of-state resident.
How much do CRNAs typically make?
As a nurse anesthetist, you can expect to make a median salary of $231,700 per year. That’s the equivalent of $111.39 per hour.
About the author
Melissa Brock
Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/FatCamera
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