The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesA master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can lead to opportunities as a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse educator, or nurse administrator. But earning an MSN also requires a significant investment of time and money.
Our 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.
The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
University of Rochester's RN-to-BS-to-MS, intended for experienced registered nurses, integrates nursing practice, education, and research in convenient online and hybrid formats. Students may choose from nurse practitioner, nurse education, clinical nurse leader, and leadership in health care systems specializations and apply up to nine credits toward their bachelor's and master's degrees. Online learners complete their clinical experiences on campus at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The university's School of Nursing boasts that 100% of its graduates find employment in their field.
- Program: RN-to-BN-to-MS programs
- Campus: Rochester, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,200-1,740 per credit hourÂ
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 monthsÂ
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 84%
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $83,708Â
- 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
University of Southern Maine
- Portland, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Ranking among the most affordable RN-to-MSN online programs, University of Southern Maine'smaster of science in nursing degree combines affordability with convenience. The fully online accelerated degree, intended for working nurses, allows students to take fewer courses than earning BSNs and MSNs separately. Enrollees may select concentrations in nursing administration and leadership or nursing education. Distance learners participate in various clinical experiences throughout central and southern Maine and opportunities for international service.
- Program: RN-to-MSN
- Campus: Portland, Maine
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $443 per credit hourÂ
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license; undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or higher
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 88.76%Â
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $63,969Â
- In-State$8,064
- Out-of-state$22,041
- In-State$7,776
- Out-of-state$21,888
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled7,996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Rivier University
- Nashua, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Rivier University's MSN with a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialization allows registered nurses with nursing diplomas or associate degrees to pursue national board certification in this field. This program prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with psychiatric disorders and mental health needs as PMHNPs.
The fully online MSN requires on-campus attendance for three weekends. The curriculum includes courses in psychiatric nursing theory, pathophysiology, health assessment, and biostatistics for health sciences.
- Program: MSN-Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: Nashua, New Hampshire
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $697 per credit; $1,088 for clinical courses
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license, 2 years nursing experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92.47%Â
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $73,734Â
- In-State$34,412
- Out-of-state$34,412
- In-State$11,880
- Out-of-state$11,880
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled2,424
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Ottawa University-Kansas City
- Overland Park, KS
- 4 year
- Online
Ottawa University-Kansas City's MSN bridge degree is one of the most affordable RN-to-MSN online programs. This curriculum includes 10 courses in eight-week terms, which can reduce time to completion. Qualified students may enroll in three graduate-level courses instead of three undergraduate courses, paying the undergraduate tuition rate for their MSN classes. The program features two concentrations: a nurse leadership track for nurses seeking administrator roles and a nurse educator pathway for aspiring teachers.Â
- Program: RN-to-MSN bridge program
- Campus: Overland Park, Kansas
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $499 per credit hourÂ
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 2.5 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- In-State$12,229
- Out-of-state$12,229
- In-State$10,328
- Out-of-state$10,328
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled551
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The accelerated RN-to-MSN program at University of Maryland, Baltimore allows students to earn both BSNs and MSNs in less time and for less money than pursuing each degree separately. RNs without bachelor's degrees who are interested in moving into leadership and advanced nursing positions can apply six credits of BSN coursework to their master's requirements. Students may choose from three specializations. The university offers a community/public health track in a blended (face-to-face and online) format, along with health services leadership and nursing informatics management specializations delivered fully online.
- Program: RN-to-MSN
- Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $873 per credit hour for in-state residents; $1,549 per credit for out-of-state studentsÂ
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 81.11%Â
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $75,365Â
- In-State$9,446
- Out-of-state$38,822
- In-State$15,140
- Out-of-state$32,979
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled7,244
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Designed for working RNs with an associate degree or nursing diploma, the RN-to-MSN program at Jacksonville University provides an accelerated and affordable pathway to earning a BSN and an MSN at the same time. This 100% online program delivers courses in a flexible eight-week format, with start times available throughout the year. Students may apply 30 credits from previous nursing education toward their BSN degrees. The RN-to-MSN program prepares graduates for careers in nursing leadership, healthcare quality and safety, nursing education, and nursing informatics.
- Program: RN-to-MSN
- Campus: Jacksonville, Florida
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $325 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 81.82%Â
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $70,697Â
- In-State$42,250
- Out-of-state$42,250
- In-State$13,889
- Out-of-state$13,889
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled3,995
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Goodwin University
- East Hartford, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Goodwin University's online RN-to-MSN program features a collaborative cohort model that allows distance learners to progress through their degrees with the same group of students. The curriculum emphasizes disease prevention, social justice efforts in healthcare, and improving access to and quality of care. Online learners may select a general MSN, family nurse practitioner, or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializations. Some tracks require on-campus immersion weekends. The curriculum also requires a 90-hour fieldwork capstone project.
- Program: RN-to-MSN bridge program
- Campus: East Hartford, Connecticut
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $949 per credit
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 83%Â
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $88,131Â
- In-State$19,988
- Out-of-state$19,988
- In-State$11,934
- Out-of-state$11,934
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled3,258
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the most affordable online 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. This list was created prior to 2025.
How Do Online MSN Programs Work?
A master’s degree in nursing gives registered nurses (RNs) the clinical knowledge and skills to expand their nursing practice. Specialized MSN programs prepare graduates to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders.
Online MSN programs offer flexible schedules designed for working nurses. Nursing students expand their knowledge of nursing leadership and healthcare technology through online courses while developing advanced patient care and health assessment skills during in-person clinical experiences.
To be successful in an online MSN program, you’ll need the following skills:
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
It is crucial to stay organized while balancing online coursework and other responsibilities. 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.
Depending on the specialization, an online MSN can take 18 months to three years to complete. Most programs also offer part-time tracks.
Applying to an Online MSN Program
Before applying to an online MSN program, applicants need to meet admission requirements, which can include prerequisite courses and clinical experience.
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.
While the admission requirements and process vary by nursing school, many include the following:
Admission Requirements
- An accredited BSN degree
- A current RN license
- 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience (required or recommended)
Admission Materials
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- 1-3 letters of recommendation
GPA Requirement
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Why Is Online MSN Program Accreditation Important?
The accreditation process ensures that nursing programs prepare graduates for licensure and nursing practice. Before applying to online MSN programs, check whether they hold nursing accreditation. Accreditation indicates that experts have determined that the school meets rigorous quality standards. Online and on-campus nursing programs must meet the same standards to receive accreditation.
You’re putting your hard work and money into an advanced nursing degree, so you want to know your program follows the best practices to educate nurses. Accredited programs prepare graduates to practice nursing safely and effectively. All programs in our ranking of the most affordable MSN programs are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, online MSN programs offered by accredited nursing schools are respected. These MSN programs meet the same quality standards as on-campus programs while delivering coursework in a flexible format. Online learners complete in-person clinical requirements to develop their skills.
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