Key Takeaways:
- Arkansas State University tops our ranking of the best low-cost certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) degree programs, followed by Augusta University.
- Most CRNA programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and up to two years of critical care experience.
- As of 2025, all CRNA programs will be offered at the doctoral level, as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.
In this ranking, we explore our picks for the top affordable Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist degree programs.
If you’re looking to become a CRNA, this guide to the top 30 most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs in 2024 is here to help. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role in healthcare, providing essential pain management and anesthesia support for surgeries and emergency procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private offices. Often the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural areas, CRNAs enjoy rewarding, high-salary careers. Understanding what a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) is, how to become one, and what it takes to succeed in CRNA school can set you on the path to this high-paying and in-demand career. Here are the top 30 most affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs for 2024.
Featured Programs
Ranking the Best Nurse Anesthetist Schools
To assist students in the search for the right nurse anesthesia programs, we have compiled a list of the 30 most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs in the U.S.
We derived our data from reports released by the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator and compared the in-state tuition and fees for nearly 90 schools that offered these advanced studies in nursing–both master’s and doctoral degrees. We then ranked our list according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs.
#1 – Arkansas State University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
rneJoneaoro, Arkansas
Jonesboro, Arkansas, serves as the setting for this advanced nursing program and the other degrees offered at Arkansas State University. As one of the most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs in the U.S., this master’s degree program is designed for completion in 28 months.
Students must complete 88 credit hours and extensive clinical practice to ensure that they are fully prepared for the certification exam and for the challenges of a career in nurse anesthesia.
Admission to the program requires GRE test results taken within five years of application, along with transcripts and other documentation. Arkansas State’s nurse anesthesia program is the #1 most affordable program on our list.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,500
#2 – Augusta University
DNP – Nurse Anesthesia
Augusta, Georgia
The MSN in Nurse Anesthesia at Augusta University is now offered as a DNP program. Recognized as one of the top nursing programs nationwide, Augusta University’s nurse anesthesia program provides valuable benefits for students pursuing a career as a CRNA.
Nurses who sign on for the Augusta University program enjoy a 100 percent pass rate for the certification examination and achieve 100 percent employment by six months after their graduation. Simulations are a large part of the curriculum and provide added practice opportunities for aspiring nurse anesthetists.
In addition to stellar pass rates, the nurse anesthesia program at Augusta ranks #100 out of 177 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,160
#3 – University of North Carolina
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Charlotte, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an MSN in nurse anesthesia, which U.S. News and World Report ranks as the 36th best nurse anesthesia program in the country. In fact, out of 177 surveyed programs, UNC’s program consistently ranks among the top 40.
As of 2022, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requires all students matriculating into nurse anesthesia to be enrolled in an approved program that leads to a doctoral degree.
Due to this change, UNC-Charlotte plans to transition the MSN in nurse anesthesia program to a doctoral degree program.
Graduate Tuition Per Semester: $9,667
#4 – University of Alabama
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Birmingham, Alabama
The low cost and excellent reputation of the University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate nursing programs have made it a popular choice for students nationwide. Students can choose from five regional locations to pursue their master’s degree in nurse anesthesia: Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and, of course, the main campus location in Birmingham.
Coursework in descriptive statistics, chemistry, microbiology, physiology, and anatomy are also required prerequisites for admission into this program. The school’s ranking for nurse anesthesia, according to U.S. News and World Report, is #65 out of approximately 177 peer-ranked colleges and universities offering nurse anesthesia.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,715
#5 – University of Texas
BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Houston, Texas
The acclaimed University of Texas Health School of Nursing SIM Lab is ideal for students to practice their anesthesia skills. With an average of 20 full-time students in each class group, the University of Texas Health Science Center provides a thorough grounding in the principles and fundamentals of anesthesia.
Students can opt for a master’s degree or the new nine-semester BSN-DNP option when pursuing their career goals in this fast-growing field. According to the program website, 2019 graduates enjoyed a 100 percent pass rate for the National Certifying Examination (NCE).
UT Health Science Center’s nurse anesthesia program ranks #8 in the country out of 177 peer programs ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,039.50
#6 – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
MS in Nurse Anesthesia
Winona, Minnesota
Designed specifically for adult learners, the master’s degree offered by Saint Mary’s University prepares students for a career in the field of nurse anesthesia. Both informal and formal instruction is incorporated into the seven-semester program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Students will complete at least 64 semester credit hours at the Twin Cities Campus and can perform their clinical practicums at numerous affiliate hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Saint Mary’s ranks with U.S. News for various reasons, including best-value institutions and top nurse anesthesia programs. In fact, the nurse anesthesia program ranks #43 out of 177 peer-ranked institutions.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $40,587.50
#7 – University of Tennessee
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The UTC/Erlanger Nurse Anesthesia Program is a demanding 27-month commitment culminating in the required national certification examination. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga School of Nursing has partnered with the North Mississippi Medical Center to provide a comprehensive approach for prospective nurse anesthetists.
The program boasts impressive first-time pass rates and features smaller classes to ensure adequate one-on-one time with instructors and professors. In addition to academic rigor, UT ranks with U.S. News and World Report.
The nurse anesthesia program ranks #51 out of 177 programs surveyed by U.S. News. The school also ranks #65 among the best regional universities in the South and #51 among the best value institutions.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,538
#8 – Newman University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Wichita, Kansas
A Catholic university in Wichita, Kansas, Newman University provides a well-rounded educational experience for students of all faiths. The master’s degree in nurse anesthesia offered by Newman University takes two years to complete.
Clinical experience begins during the second semester of the first year and continues through the program’s conclusion and the completion of the required certification exam. According to the program’s website, for the past three years, students who have successfully completed the program and the exam have enjoyed 100 percent employment six months after graduation.
Also, Newman’s nurse anesthesia program ranks #43 out of 177 peer-ranked schools and programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,200
#9 – Barnes-Jewish College
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Saint Louis, Missouri
A private institution in St. Louis, Missouri, Barnes-Jewish College offers a wide range of options for nursing students in the area. The master’s degree in nurse anesthesia offered by the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College achieved accreditation in October 2014, making it one of the newer entries in this list.
The program takes approximately 28 months and includes an anatomy course with a working cadaver laboratory. However, as of January 2020, the MSN program will transition to the newly developed DNP in nursing anesthesia. Barnes-Jewish College ranks #18 in the best nursing anesthesia programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,515
#10 – Clarkson College
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia
Omaha, Nebraska
With class sizes limited to 15 students and hands-on care, this Omaha-based program ensures its students get plenty of face time with instructors, as some classes are delivered online. Clarkson College prepares aspiring certified nurse anesthetists for careers in the medical community and boasts a 100 percent employment rate in the field after graduation.
According to statistics compiled by the institution, 84 percent of students pass the certification examination on the first try and 100 percent complete it successfully on their second try—a testament to this program’s expert instruction and comprehensive approach.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Clarkson’s nurse anesthesia program is among the top 100 surveyed programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,496
#11 – University of Michigan
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia
Flint, Michigan
Offered through a joint program of the Hurley Medical Center and the University of Michigan-Flint, the DNP program prepares students to become registered nurse anesthetists capable of carrying out quality anesthesia care.
Clinical experiences and classroom hours are combined throughout the first part of the course to help students gain a more complete understanding of their future role in the medical environment and build upon the MSN foundation.
With over 25 clinical sites throughout Michigan, the program offers hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, including city, rural, and independent CRNA settings. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school’s anesthesia program #22 out of 177 similar programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,476
#12 – Florida State University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Panama City, Florida
Florida State University’s nationally accredited MSN in nurse anesthesia program offers a rigorous curriculum and takes 28 months to complete.
The curriculum highlights various topics related to nurse anesthesia and surgical procedures. Each student begins a one-on-one clinical practicum within the first week to apply the skills immediately. This program is truly hands-on. With nearly a 98% NCE pass rate upon graduation, the program is sought by academically strong degree candidates. This means application to the program is highly competitive.
Florida State University also ranks among the top national universities by U.S. News and World Report. Its affordable tuition earns it a top spot on our list.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,538
#13 – University of Scranton
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Scranton, Pennsylvania
The University of Scranton offers several graduate programs for aspiring certified nurse anesthetists, which can lead to a well-paid career in the healthcare industry. Students can select from two degree pathways when pursuing their nurse anesthetist certification at the University of Scranton.
The master’s degree track requires 63 credit hours and 550 cases. Nurses who already hold a master’s degree in advanced nursing practice have access to a certificate program that requires 51 credit hours of coursework.
U.S. News and World Report states that the University of Scranton’s nursing anesthesia program ranks #65 out of 177 surveyed schools and programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,630
#14 – SUNY Downstate Medical Center
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Brooklyn, New York
Website – This program is no longer available.
Students are accepted once yearly to the nurse anesthesia program at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and applicants must have at least two years of current critical care experience to apply. The master’s degree program in nurse anesthesia at SUNY Downstate Medical Center can be completed in 27 months of full-time graduate study.
After completing the 61 credit hours and 550 cases the university requires, students can sit for the certification examination and pursue their career goals in this lucrative field.
SUNY Downstate’s nurse anesthesia program ranks #100 out of approximately 177 schools and programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,960
#15 – Lourdes University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Sylvania, Ohio
Lourdes University, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, is in Sylvania, Ohio. It offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in addition to its nursing programs.
According to statistics compiled by Lourdes University, 100 percent of students in the nurse anesthesia program passed the certification examination on their first or second try. The master’s degree program also boasts a 100 percent employment percentage within three months of graduation.
In addition to post-graduation stats, Lourdes University offers nursing anesthesia rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Lourdes ranks #81 among the best nursing anesthesia programs for outstanding academics out of 177 peer-ranked institutions.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,000
#16 – The University of Tennessee
DNP in Nurse Anesthesia
Knoxville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine is an established and affordable nurse anesthetist school with stringent application requirements. Currently, it only accepts students for the doctorate in nurse anesthesia program.
Applicants must hold a BSN degree or an MSN from a regionally accredited college or university and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Only applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.3 must take the GRE and score a minimum combined score of 297 or greater on the two suggested sections. Also required is ICU experience. Students must have completed at least one year of current, full-time adult critical care nursing experience.
UT is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 115th-best national university and 100th-best value school in the country. Its nurse anesthesia program ranks 51st out of 177 programs and schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,538
#17 – Saint Vincent College
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
A proud successor to the Benedictine tradition of education, Saint Vincent College offers its master’s degree in nurse anesthesia in conjunction with Excela Health. This highly competitive program enrolls just 30 students each year and accepts applicants from across the spectrum of nursing practice.
The small size of classes allows students to enjoy direct interaction with their instructors throughout this nearly 27.5-month program. Currently, nurse residencies can be performed at 23 clinical sites approved by this private Pennsylvania college.
In addition to rigor and academic excellence, Saint Vincent College offers a strong reputation with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Saint Vincent ranks #152 in the best national liberal arts colleges.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,625
#18 – University of South Carolina
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Columbia, South Carolina
In this hands-on nurse anesthesia program offered at the University of South Carolina, nurses work with patients from the first semester. The 27-month program, designed to instill the knowledge and practical experience needed for nurses entering the anesthesiology field, partners with Palmetto Health Richland and Greenville Hospital System to provide students with additional instruction.
The school takes pride in its 92 percent employment rate and 92 percent certification examination pass rate for students enrolled in this advanced nursing degree program. Founded in 1901, the University of South Carolina has a long academic excellence reputation.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #106 in best national universities and #145 in best value institutions.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,244
#19 – Westminster College
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Salt Lake City, Utah
Nurses can pursue their studies at the only private comprehensive liberal arts college in Utah. Westminster College is known for its focus on hands-on learning and practical experience for students.
The nurse anesthesia master’s degree program from this institution is designed to be completed in 29 months. Coursework begins in August, and clinical rotations start in September of the following year.
Space is limited to fewer than 20 students annually, making this a highly competitive venue for these advanced healthcare degrees. Westminster College ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 20th-best regional university in the West.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,552
#20 – Virginia Commonwealth University
Post Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report among national nurse anesthesia programs and is one of the most affordable on our list.
Virginia Commonwealth University’s master’s degree curriculum allows students to test their skills using advanced medical simulators. Online courses are available to ensure added convenience for working adults and nurses who already juggle work schedules and other responsibilities.
The program also offers seamless entry into the DNAP program offered at the school. In addition to stellar program rankings, the school has earned recognition from U.S. News. In fact, Virginia Commonwealth ranks #157 in best national universities and #80 in top public schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,824
#21 – Michigan State University
Doctor of Nursing Practice
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University’s new DNP program prepares students for work as nurse anesthetists through two pathways. The first pathway is the BSN to DNP program, and the second pathway is the MSN or MS to DNP. Cohorts are kept small, at approximately 12 students, to provide one-on-one procedural and surgical instruction.
The program website boasts a first-time pass rate for certification of 85% and an overall pass rate of 92%. Also, as of 2019, the employment rate within six months of graduation is 100%. Michigan State’s nurse anesthesia program ranks #29 out of 177 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,132
#22 – Texas Wesleyan University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Fort Worth, Texas
One of the nation’s largest nurse anesthesia programs is also considered one of the best. Texas Wesleyan University touts its ability to produce independent practitioners in the nursing field. The institution’s front-loaded curriculum is designed for completion in 28 months.
The first year is focused on theory and study in the classroom or online environment; students then embark on a 16-month clinical nurse anesthesia residency at one of the 21 designated hospitals participating in the program. Aside from being one of the most extensive programs, Texas Wesleyan also offers affordability, accreditation, and rankings with major publications.
In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #64 in best regional universities in the West and #34 in best value institutions.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $46,698
#23 – University of New England
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Biddeford, Maine
University of New England’s master’s in nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the COA since 2011.
Adhering to the COA requirements, a plan is in place to transition to the entry-level DNP program as of January 1, 2022. The program will provide a select group of graduate-level nurses with the highest level of didactic and clinical site experience and simulation lab work.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of New England’s nurse anesthesia program ranks #88 out of 177 similar programs. Affordability, ranking, and rigorous academics earn the University of New England a top spot on our list of most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $66,220
#24 – Northeastern University
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program prepares professional nurses with the skills necessary to administer anesthesia. This full-time, CCNE and COA-accredited program takes three years to complete. The program is appropriate for licensed registered nurses who do not possess an MSN.
The pass rate for first-time test-takers on the National Certification Exam (NCE) is over 80 percent, with second-time test-takers at 100 percent. Northeastern is a reputable and highly ranked institution.
Also, the nursing anesthesia program ties for the #22 slot in best nurse anesthesia programs, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,225
#25 – Albany Medical College
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesiology
Albany, New York
Albany Medical College’s nurse anesthesiology program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and is one of our top picks for nurse anesthesia programs.
What makes this program unique is the clinical portion and enhanced rotations at many off-campus clinical sites within the state of New York. Students gain access to nine clinical sites in New York and two off-campus clinical sites in Massachusetts.
Also, the nurse anesthesia programs ranked 36th best in the nation out of 177 surveyed programs, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,992
#26 – Keiser University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
North Naples, Florida
Keiser University’s nurse anesthesia program is comprised of 28 months of intensive study, divided into two stages – didactic and clinical. The didactic stage occurs during the first 12 months of the program, while the clinical stage occurs during the last 16 months.
Classroom attendance is mandatory for certification eligibility and graduation. Keiser University is a private institution ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #56 in the best regional universities in the South. Keiser earns a top spot on our list for affordability and academic rigor.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,272
#27 – University of Detroit Mercy
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Detroit, Michigan
University of Detroit Mercy’s nurse anesthesia program has earned a highly coveted spot on U.S. News and World Report as the 10th best nursing anesthesia program in the U.S. The program is accredited by COA and boasts a 100% employment placement rate for graduates within six months of graduation.
Admission is highly competitive to this top-ranked program. Some of the admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited ACEN or CCNE nursing school, a minimum of one year experience within the last five years as a professional RN in a critical care setting, and a strong undergraduate academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,422
#28 – Drexel University
MSN in Nurse Anesthesia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel University’s master’s in nursing – nurse anesthesia program is an on-campus and online, 28-month, full-time program designed to equip nurses with the skills needed to succeed in the nursing anesthesia field of medicine. Drexel’s unique program offers premiere clinical sites in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, providing extensive anesthesia case experience.
Many of the MSN required courses are taken online prior to full-time enrollment. The convenience of the early master’s level portion of the program draws working nurses pursuing this degree. Later, after the part-time classes have been taken, students transition to full-time enrollment.
Drexel’s nurse anesthesia program ranks #43 out of 177 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $70,335
#29 – Rush University
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia
Chicago, Illinois
The nurse anesthesia DNP program at Rush University is designed to prepare a select group of students to function as highly skilled nurse anesthetists in various medical and clinical settings. For over 50 years, Rush University has prepared nurses for this specialized niche of nursing.
To apply, applicants will need one to two years of recent adult critical care experience as a registered nurse. The program is offered full-time, on-campus, and takes 36 months to complete. The nursing anesthesia program at Rush is highly ranked and has major publications.
In fact, the recent ranking from U.S. News and World Report places Rush in the #4 slot for best nursing anesthesia programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,124
#30 – Wake Forest School of Medicine
Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
One of the best nurse anesthetist schools, Wake Forest School of Medicine, offers nurses a rigorous and diverse nurse anesthesia (CRNA) program that is recognized as an industry leader and global health training center. The program requires stringent admission criteria and only accepts the best and most qualified candidates.
The curriculum centers on practical clinical experience and is designed to prepare students for advanced practice. Wake Forest’s nursing anesthesia program ranks #10 out of 177 peer-ranked schools and programs, according to U.S. News and World Report, making it one of the top programs on our list.
Also, the school reports a 100% employment placement rate for graduates within one month of graduation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $36,650
CVO Staff
This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable certified nurse anesthesia programs.
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