The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs of 2024
NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
- Most Affordable MSN Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to an MSN Program
- Program Accreditation
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesEarning a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can prepare you for an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) career as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse educator. However, earning this degree also requires a significant investment of time and money.
This guide to the cheapest online MSN programs can help you find the right program for your budget. Explore these affordable and accredited programs to take the next step in your nursing career.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT- 4 year
- Online
Western Governors University's BSN-to-MSN program focuses on nursing informatics. Most coursework takes place online, and students complete in-person fieldwork experiences in their local areas. The curriculum emphasizes skills in data analysis, electronic medical record reporting, and health information technology.
Learning is self-paced, including exams, which offers maximum flexibility for working nurses. The program accepts up to 17 transfer credits and bills tuition by the term. Many students qualify for scholarships and financial aid and can graduate with half the debt of the national average.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $9,990 per year (including e-books and resources fees)
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; criminal background check; proof of current immunizations
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 91% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $98,444 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Vanderbilt University offers an MSN with a women's health/gender-related nurse practitioner concentration. Students with nursing backgrounds can earn their degree through modified distance learning. This format includes online courses, periodic weekends on campus, and clinical placements in learners' local regions.
The curriculum prepares graduates to offer family planning, gynecologic care, primary care, and pregnancy management. Graduate nursing students can pay for part of their education with federal or departmental scholarships.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Nashville, Tennessee
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,939 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Current RN license; nursing background; recommended 3.0 post-secondary GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $112,247 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$54,840
- Out-of-state$54,840
- In-State$51,600
- Out-of-state$51,600
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled13,796
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Rochester's part-time MSN program prepares clinical nurse leaders with hybrid coursework and field immersion in healthcare. The curriculum emphasizes clinical care, population health, and safe, high-quality healthcare management. Graduates qualify to take the national commission on nurse certification exam.
The flexible hybrid online program accommodates working nurses. The School of Nursing offers grants to University of Rochester employees and University of Rochester Medical Center affiliate nurses.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Rochester, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,740 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current New York RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of clinical experience; statistics course with a C or higher
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 80% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $100,869 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$58,276
- Out-of-state$58,276
- In-State$46,779
- Out-of-state$46,779
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled12,039
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The MSN at Stony Brook University concentrates on nursing education. Offered through the distance education department, the program includes school-arranged on-site clinical placements.
The curriculum prepares graduates to teach beginning and experienced nurses in clinical settings and nursing schools. Nursing education courses include advanced teaching strategies; facilitating adult learning; and curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation in nursing education.
Graduate nursing students can apply for federal and state grants, loans, employment opportunities, and private scholarships.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Stony Brook, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $1,020 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing or a non-nursing bachelor's with a clinical practice portfolio; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; preferred one year of experience; coursework in health assessment and statistics; student malpractice insurance
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $119,981 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,990
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled26,608
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online nurse educator MSN at Cedarville University takes a Christian-based approach to nursing. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical practice, evidence-based practice, and healthcare leadership and policy. Students can enroll full or part time, and graduates gain eligibility for the national certification for nurse educators exam.
Learners complete clinical/practicum hours in academic settings, community sites, and healthcare facilities.
The nursing school offers a limited number of $3,000 need-based scholarships to qualified graduate nursing students.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Cedarville, Ohio
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $707 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Professed faith in Jesus Christ; bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; preferred minimum 3.0 GPA; coursework in nursing research and statistics
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 96% first-time pass rate
- In-State$33,174
- Out-of-state$33,174
- In-State$9,864
- Out-of-state$9,864
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled4,643
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Mahwah, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
MSN students at Ramapo College of New Jersey can choose among four tracks: adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. The part-time program features 90% online study with some hybrid components. Learners in all tracks complete a role practicum and can choose their own preceptors or receive placement assistance from the program.
Graduate students taking six credits per semester can borrow up to $20,500 a year of federal direct Stafford loan funds.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Mahwah, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $852 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; nurse practitioner tracks require two years of acute care experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months, depending on concentration track
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 99% first-time pass rate
- In-State$14,952
- Out-of-state$24,694
- In-State$19,085
- Out-of-state$19,085
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled5,732
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Texas A&M University offers an MSN primarily online that focuses on forensic nursing. Limited on-campus attendance requirements include class activities and clinical hours. Students arrange their own preceptors for the final advanced clinical practicum and project.
The program prepares graduates to care for perpetrators and victims of traumatic events and to observe, collect, and document evidence for civil and criminal legal proceedings.
The School of Nursing lists many scholarships and fellowships for graduate nursing students.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: College Station, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $805 per credit for Texas residents; $1,335 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; current RN license; C in elementary statistics
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- In-State$8,578
- Out-of-state$35,378
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,592
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled72,530
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Samford University's MSN program graduates family nurse practitioners (FNPs) eligible to take national FNP certification exams. Learning is primarily online, with just three required campus visits and precepted clinical rotations at the nursing school's affiliate organizations. Students can also find placements closer to their homes.
The program accepts applicants from all states, except California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, and Oregon. The School of Nursing offers merit- and need-based financial aid and a faculty loan program.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $961 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; a C in nursing research and a B in health assessment courses
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months or less
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $109,173 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$34,410
- Out-of-state$34,410
- In-State$20,935
- Out-of-state$20,935
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,758
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Part of the City University of New York system, the Graduate Center offers an online MSN in nursing education. Coursework and a nursing education practicum prepare graduates to develop curriculums that focus on changing healthcare systems and educating diverse learners at colleges, universities, and healthcare facilities.
Admitted students can transfer up to 12 MSN credits. The School of Professional Studies offers scholarships to qualified students, along with student emergency grants, textbook grants, and food access.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: New York, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $470 per credit for New York residents; $565 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; a C or higher in undergraduate health assessment, pathophysiology, and statistics
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$9,930
- Out-of-state$23,160
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,017
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Northeastern State University
- Tahlequah, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Northeastern State University's MSN focuses on nursing informatics. The online program offers six start dates per year and seven-week courses. Students complete a 200-hour mentored field practicum and a capstone project or thesis. Coursework includes data management and healthcare technology, foundations of nursing informatics practice, and leadership development for the advanced nursing professional.
Out-of-state learners pay just $1 more per credit than Oklahoma residents. Graduate students complete one application for all privately funded scholarships.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $370 per credit for Oklahoma residents; $371 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 2.5 GPA or 3.0 GPA in nursing coursework
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- In-State$6,000
- Out-of-state$14,640
- In-State$4,581
- Out-of-state$10,242
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled7,025
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
How do Affordable Online MSN Programs Work?
A master’s degree in nursing allows registered nurses (RNs) to broaden their nursing practice by specializing in their area of choice. In an MSN program, enrollees can learn about healthcare systems, technology, and health assessments.
Online MSN programs allow nurses to pursue degrees on a timeline that suits their schedules. They typically offer a flexible school schedule to accommodate nurses working in a clinical setting.
An MSN can take eighteen months to three years to complete, depending on the nursing school. If you enroll in a self-paced program, you can often add more classes to a term as you complete them, allowing you to earn your degree faster and save on tuition costs.
One of the biggest challenges of an online MSN program is getting used to a virtual learning platform. If you’ve been out of school for a while, don’t let this intimidate you — you’ll have plenty of resources, such as mentors or nursing professors, to help you get through the learning curve.
To be successful in an online program, you should have skills such as
- Resourcefulness. Don’t be afraid to contact professors or instructors with coursework questions. They maintain virtual office hours to be available for questions or clarification about learning objectives.
- Organization. Staying organized while managing online coursework and a personal life is crucial. Try to keep a system — like folders on your computer or within the learning portal — to stay on top of assignments and deadlines.
- Persistence. Nursing school is hard work, but remember, it’s only temporary. Always keep your long-term goals in mind as you work toward them.
Courses Taken
- Informatics
- Advanced pharmacology
- Organizational leadership
- Comprehensive health assessment
- Policy, politics, and global health trends
Concentrations
- Family nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- Nursing education
- Nursing informatics
- Nursing leadership and administration
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
Skills Learned
In an online program, you can gain the skills that set you up for success in an advanced nursing role. Your coursework provides a broader perspective of health systems and healthcare administration. Examples of skills you can develop include:
- Advanced health assessments
- Ethical decision-making
- Advanced technology application
- Determining levels of evidence in research
Applying to an Affordable Online MSN Program
Almost all MSN programs require at least one year of nursing experience. You must also have a current and unencumbered RN license. Other typical requirements are a bachelor’s degree, a clean background check, and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Some schools accept applications during certain times of the year, while others allow for year-round admission. Give yourself ample time to prepare your application, write your essay, and organize your recommendations.
Admission Materials
Programs typically request a BSN degree, RN licensure, and clinical nursing experience. Schools may also require an admission fee and a background check.
You may need to submit transcripts from your undergraduate nursing program. These documents are often sent directly from your nursing school, so check with your undergrad program for assistance. Most MSN programs require the completion of a statistics course with a C or higher.
GPA Requirement
You’ll usually need a 3.0 grade point average from an undergraduate nursing degree to apply for an online MSN program.
Why is Affordable Online MSN Program Accreditation Important?
You’re putting your hard work and money into an advanced nursing degree, so you want to know your program is valid. Before applying for a program, ensure it has received accreditation, a status that indicates experts have determined that the school meets rigorous quality standards.
In other words, when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to practice nursing safely and effectively. All programs in our ranking of the cheapest MSN programs are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online MSN Programs
Explore Other MSN Programs
The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for 2025
A master of science in nursing can expand your career paths and boost your earning potential. Discover the top MSN online programs to advance your nursing career.
The Best Online RN-to-MSN Programs in 2025
MSN programs present a range of career possibilities, including nurse practitioner. Our list of online RN-to-MSN programs help you get the degree on your time.
The Top Direct-Entry Master’s in Nursing Programs
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a master’s in nursing, a direct-entry MSN program could be a good fit. Find the best programs here.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal.org. Page last reviewed on March 10, 2024.