Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can prepare you for a career as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse educator. However, earning this degree also represents a major 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.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the most affordable MSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: The Most Affordable MSN Programs
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- The University of West Florida
- Texas A & M International University
- Johns Hopkins University
- California State University-Dominguez Hills
- University of Central Florida
- Vanderbilt University
- Appalachian State University
- Georgetown University
- Stony Brook University
Featured Online MSN Programs
How Do MSN Programs Work?
Like undergraduate nursing programs, MSN degrees combine classroom learning and clinical hours in healthcare workplaces. Programs build on the knowledge you developed as an undergraduate and add advanced topics, including nursing leadership, pharmacology, and assessment.
Most MSN programs take two years for students with a BSN to complete. If you have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and experience as an RN, some programs offer an RN-to-MSN option that typically takes three years to finish.
If you take courses online, you must find your own clinical placement within your community. Especially if you live in an area without many healthcare providers, be sure that you can find local placement to complete all degree requirements. Even the cheapest online MSN program will not be a bargain if you have high travel costs.
Applying to an MSN Program
Almost all MSN programs require or strongly prefer at least one year of nursing experience. You must also have a current and unencumbered RN license. Some schools accept applications during certain times of the year, while others accept applications year-round. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare your application, write your essay, and organize your recommendations.
-
Admission Materials
Apply with an essay or personal statement, at least two references, transcripts from undergraduate schools. Many schools let you apply with an unofficial transcript, but you must send an official transcript if you are accepted.
-
GPA Requirement
Most schools prefer at least a 3.0 GPA, though some accept a 2.75 or higher, or prefer a GPA of 3.25 or higher. If your GPA is borderline, talk to an admissions staff member, as you may have experience, work recognition, or other factors that would make up for a lower GPA.
Why Is MSN Program Accreditation Important?
The most important factor that determines an MSN program's value is accreditation. Accreditation means that an independent group of experts reviewed the program and determined that graduates are prepared to practice nursing safely. Almost all nursing board certifications require a diploma from an accredited program and why most employers do not consider hiring a graduate of an unaccredited program. In addition, almost no accredited schools will accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program.
This guide to the cheapest online MSN programs features only accredited programs.
Learn More About the Most Affordable MSN Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley features fully online MSN degrees in nursing education and nursing administration.
Nursing students complete 36 credits. One of the most affordable online MSN programs available, this degree requires core courses in theoretical foundations of nursing, research, statistics, nursing informatics, advanced leadership, holistic approach to chronic disorders, and evidence-based nursing practice.
Degree-seekers get hands-on nursing experience through a clinical practicum or capstone course. Applicants must apply by August 1.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - nursing administration
- Campus: Brownsville, TX
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $528 per credit for Texas residents; $936 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree; complete undergraduate statistics course; short essay; RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; proof of immunizations
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,421 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of West Florida, with some of the most affordable online MSN programs, prepares students to become family nurse practitioners in 27-30 months.
The 45-credit MSN degree gives students 600 practicum experience hours. Courses provide specialized training in care of adults, children and families, and women's health with accompanying practicums.
Students must study full time. They have the option of taking a summer immersion workshop for a fee to learn basic nursing skills, such as skin biopsies and wound closures.
UWF, which accepts up to nine transfer credits, also features MSN concentrations in nurse educators and nurse executives.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Pensacola, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $500 per credit for MSN students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited nursing school; RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; completed undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 27 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.5% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A&M International University features one of the most affordable online MSN programs that students can complete in as few as 10 months.
TAMIU's fully online MSN degree trains students for nursing administration careers with a curriculum that incorporates finance, organizational behavior, research methods, policy and social justice, and leadership.
The program includes 31 credits, or 10 courses, that students take in shortened seven-week semesters. Students also complete 180 clinical hours.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - nursing administration
- Campus: Laredo, TX
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $11,377 total tuition for Texas residents; $31,930 total tuition for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; one year of nursing experience; complete undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 10 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.8% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Johns Hopkins University features one of the most affordable online MSN programs that trains students for careers in organizational leadership.
The 35-credit MSN degree, with a track in organizational leadership, requires 504 clinical hours. Students learn health finance, leadership, healthcare quality and safety, and an organizational leadership practice.
Johns Hopkins also offers an on-campus pre-licensure MSN degree that emphasizes a generalist education and a dual master of business administration degree. MSN degrees require 35-67 credits, which take about 16-30 months.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - healthcare organizational leadership
- Campus: Baltimore, MD
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $21,480 per year for full-time MSN students; $10,740 per year for part-time students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree or master's degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; three letters of recommendation; goal statement; resume; complete an interview with a faculty member; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,359 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
California State University-Dominguez Hills
- Carson, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers one of the most affordable online MSN programs with concentrations to train graduates to become administrators, educators, family nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists.
Graduate students complete 32 credits that include core coursework in advanced nursing roles, healthcare policy and economics, health promotion, research, and nursing ethics.
CSUDH also offers an MSN degree for clinical nurses specialists with tracks in adult gerontology and pediatrics.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree
- Campus: Carson, CA
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $5,742 per year for California residents; $396 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; complete prerequisites; resume and letter of intent
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $117,274 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Florida's MSN degree educates current registered nurses who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Degree-seekers choose from three tracks in nursing and healthcare simulation, nurse educator, and nursing leadership and management. Students complete 31-36 credits, depending on their chosen specialty.
UFC, with some of the most affordable online MSN programs, allows students to study part time or full time. Full-time students can apply for fellowships and graduate assistantships. All online learners benefit from fee waivers for athletic, technology, health, transportation, and activity fees.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - nursing and healthcare simulation, nurse educator, nursing leadership and management
- Campus: Orlando, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $327 per credit for MSN students
- Admission Requirements: RNs need a bachelor's degree and an associate in nursing degree or diploma; complete prerequisites; transcripts; resume; three references
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.6% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $91,363 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Vanderbilt University's MSN degree prepares current RNs to work in an emergency care facility with an optional part-time format.
One of the most affordable online MSN programs, this degree admits students who work as RNs and hold an associate in nursing degree or diploma. Students benefit from small classes of no more than 12 students.
Vanderbilt requires nursing students to attend class on campus nine times a year to take labs, attend lectures, and practice in simulated clinics. Degree-seekers also complete 1,190 clinical rotations at emergency departments, outpatient clients, and urgent care clinics.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - emergency nurse practitioner
- Campus: Nashville, TN
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,793 per credit for MSN students
- Admission Requirements: RN license; two years of RN working experience; one year experience in an emergency department; trauma nurse course certification, advanced cardiovascular life support certification, and pediatric advanced life support course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Appalachian State University features an MSN degree that offers a part-time option for working nurses and a concentration in nursing education that students can complete 24 months.
Online learners complete 39 credits by taking about 6-7 credits each semester. Courses cover theories of advanced nursing practice, health assessments for adults, pathophysiology, nursing research, and pharmacology. Degree-seekers complete two practicums during the summer semester; one with a clinical focus and another in nursing education.
App State accepts applications through April 1. The MSN degree, one of the most affordable nursing programs, accepts up to nine transfer credits.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree
- Campus: Boone, NC
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $3,651 per year for North Carolina residents; $13,657 per year for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.5 GPA; GRE or MAT scores; prerequisites; RN license; three letters of recommendation; one year of nursing experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University offers an MSN degree with a concentration in adult gerontology acute care that students can complete in less than two years.
Degree-seekers complete 40 credits in 23 months. The program includes three clinical intensives that teach students nursing techniques, such as rapid sequence intubation and central line insertion on campus. The program also includes 600 clinical hours in which nursing students care for adult and geriatric patients.
Georgetown also offers MSN degrees with concentrations in family nursing, women's health and nurse-midwifery, and women's health. With rolling admissions, Georgetown accepts new students throughout the year.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, women's health, women's health and nurse-midwifery
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $2,358 per credit for MSN students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree or MSN degree from an accredited school; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; completes undergraduate statistics course; one year of full-time nursing experience; resume, official transcripts; admissions interview; resume; 1-2 page personal statement; three letters of recommendation
- Minimum Time Commitment: 23 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,876 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stony Brook University's MSN degree trains students to become nurse educators in hospitals and schools.
The MSN degree, among the most affordable online MSN programs, requires 45 credits. Students take specialty courses in facilitating adult learning, curriculum design, teaching strategies, and theory and practice in nursing education.
Stony Brook also features MSN degrees with concentrations in nursing leadership and nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery.
- Program: Master of science in nursing degree - nursing leadership, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery
- Campus: Stony Brook, NY
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree; one year nursing experience; college transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; resume; current RN license; three letters of recommendation; complete undergraduate courses in health assessment and statistics
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,661 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs
Are MSN programs worth it?
Whether a program is worth it to you depends on your career, personal, and financial goals. MSN programs can lead to significantly higher salaries, much more professional autonomy, and a broader scope of practice that can include diagnosing conditions and prescribing treatment.
How fast can I get my MSN?
If you have a BSN, an MSN program can take two years of full-time study. If you have an associate degree in nursing, a nursing license or a bachelor's degree in another subject, and all prerequisite coursework completed, many affordable online MSN programs offer bridge or accelerated programs.
What MSN makes the most money?
Salaries for MSN graduates vary based on experience, location, and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners make a median annual salary of $120,680, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and nurse midwives earn $112,830. The average nurse educator salary, according to the BLS, is $82,040, but this figure does not distinguish between BSN and MSN graduates.
While nurse anesthetists currently earn the highest pay career for MSNs, beginning in 2025, all new nurse anesthetist graduates must hold a doctorate to practice.
Can you earn an MSN while working as an RN?
Many MSN programs, including some of the cheapest online MSN programs, assume students are working either full or part time, and offer schedules and structure to accommodate their needs. However, you may need to plan for extra study time during finals or other rigorous portions of the curriculum.
