One well-reputed nursing program that can be very affordable is from University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The requirements to get in-state tuition are rather modest (2.5+ GPA and 20+ ACT/1030+ SAT) and merit scholarships can stack (so getting a larger one doesn’t eliminate the other one…they both can be used). Students with an ACT 23-27/SAT 1130-1290 with a 3.0+ GPA is the starting level for additional merit scholarships (that level is $1100/semester, or $2200/year). The higher the stats, the higher the merit scholarship, up to a full ride and being offered an on-campus job.