MSN Degrees Online - Review the Most Affordable Programs
Advance your nursing career without breaking the bank. In this guide, we highlight affordable online master of science in nursing (MSN) programs, compare the costs of online and on-campus programs, rank the top low-cost schools, and share money-saving tips.
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Profiles of Affordable Online MSN Degrees
Online MSN programs can be more affordable than their campus-based versions by removing traditional expenses like transportation, campus housing, and meals. The convenience of online programs also enables students to work part-time to offset costs while earning their degrees.
These factors, along with financial aid like scholarships for MSN students and employer tuition reimbursement, make online MSN programs an affordable way for nurses to further their careers. To that end, we highlight three programs below that offer both quality and affordability.
Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University provides an online MSN in Nursing Administration with a specialization in leadership, advanced practice nursing, and management. The program includes courses in strategic management, evidence-based practice, and health care policy.
Designed with convenience and flexibility in mind for working professionals, the program consists of 36 to 39 credit hours that can be completed in 12 to 24 months.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition is $509 per credit hour for in-state students and $775 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Additional fees include technology fees, library fees, and student activity fees, which can also differ based on enrollment status and program demands.
Financial Aid: Tarleton State accepts federal and state financial aid, provides scholarships for their medical students, and participates in employer tuition reimbursement programs. Students are advised to pursue all available sources of financial assistance to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Georgia College & State University
Georgia College & State University has an online Nursing MSN with the following specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Midwifery
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
This flexible program has few on-campus requirements and focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition starts at $382 per credit hour for in-state students, plus a $402 online learning fee. Additional fees include technology fees, library fees, and student health fees, which can differ based on enrollment status and program requirements.
Financial Aid: Georgia College & State University offers federal and state financial aid in addition to scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid early to have the best opportunity to receive aid.
Liberty University
Liberty University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program specializes in the following tracks:
- Community Health
- Health Policy
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Informatics
- MSN/MBA Dual Degree
- MSN/MSHA Dual Degree
The program has 8-week courses and permits practicums in the student’s local community. Accreditation is through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which assures graduates of high professional competency levels.
Tuition and Fees:
- Full-time = $580 per credit
- Part-time = $645 per credit
- Military = $290 per credit
Fees cover technology, library, and graduation costs and may vary depending on enrollment status and program requirements.
Financial Aid: Liberty University accepts federal and state financial aid, institutional scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Students are urged to apply for different types of financial assistance to help defray education costs.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Comparing Online vs. Campus MSN Costs
As we mentioned, online MSN programs cost less than their onsite counterparts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major differences in expenses:
Online
- Avoids commuting and parking fees
- Removes on-campus living costs
- May have lower tuition rates
- May charge additional technology or other online-specific fees
Campus
- Requires commuting expenses and parking fees
- May involve living on campus
- Often have higher tuition rates
- Doesn’t charge extra technology fees for onsite classes
- May have additional fees for labs and clinical practice
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online MSN
Pursuing your MSN degree doesn’t need to break the bank, and we explore the top ways to make your education more affordable below.
Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More
- Check with your university’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships and grants.
- Use online scholarship databases (Fastweb, Scholarships.com) to find external scholarships.
- Look for scholarships from professional nursing organizations (e.g., American Nurses Association).
- Inquire about application fee waivers and technology fee waivers for online students.
- Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based federal and state aid.
Maintain Part-Time Employment
- Search for part-time jobs on job boards or through your university’s career services office.
- Look for positions that offer flexible hours or tuition assistance.
- Consider working as a registered nurse in a hospital or clinic to gain experience.
- Explore online tutoring or teaching opportunities.
- Balance work and your studies to avoid burning out or overworking yourself.
Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement
- Contact your HR department or supervisor to inquire about tuition reimbursement programs.
- Ask about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and any restrictions on program types.
- Follow your employer’s guidelines carefully if they offer tuition assistance.
- Negotiate with your employer if they don’t offer tuition reimbursement for alternative support.
Utilize Free Certification Exam Prep Resources
- Search for free online study guides and practice exams (such as our test taking strategies guide or essential study skills guide for healthcare students).
- Check with your university or professional organizations for free or discounted exam prep courses.
- Join online study groups or forums to connect with other nursing students and share resources.
Ranking the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs
EduMed’s online MSN programs are ranked according to tuition costs, financial aid sources, and program quality. The rankings below help you find affordable, high-quality programs that best suit your professional goals.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salem State University
- Salem University's MSN program features a fully online, asynchronous format designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to balance work and study without mandatory login times.
- The program offers an accelerated pathway that can be completed in as few as 10 months, with a one-course-per-month delivery model to minimize workload overlap.
- Salem’s MSN was designed by nurses for nurses, incorporating experiential learning activities that can be completed on the job, enhancing practical career advancement during the program.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Methodist College
- The MSN program at Methodist University offers 500 clinical hours integrated with a flexible online curriculum, ensuring extensive real-world leadership experience.
- Students benefit from dual credit courses in nursing education, expanding career opportunities by counting toward a Graduate Nursing Education Certificate.
- The program features close mentorship from expert faculty and fosters strong peer networking through cohort-based learning, supporting student success and leadership development.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 100% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 4/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- Trinity College's MSN program offers an online Nurse Educator option that combines innovative teaching methods with clinical preceptorships, enhancing practical and pedagogical skills.
- The MSN-Educator track prepares culturally sensitive nursing leaders who can mentor teams, ensure quality care, and promote evidence-based practices effectively.
- Applicants benefit from flexible submission of application materials over time and thorough prerequisites evaluation, supporting smooth and personalized admissions processing.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 100% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 4/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southwest Baptist University
- St. Bonaventure University's MSN program offers personalized faculty mentorship and competency-based education with advanced simulation training to bridge theory and practice effectively.
- The program ensures high clinical placement rates by scheduling students in applicable healthcare agencies, removing the burden of finding preceptors independently.
- The Master’s Entry to Practice (MEP) track integrates emotional intelligence training to enhance nurse-patient relationships and prevent career burnout, a unique and valuable focus in nursing education.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fresno Pacific University
- Fresno Pacific University’s MSN/FNP program offers a blended learning format with primarily one face-to-face class per week, providing flexibility for working nurses.
- The program ensures clinical placement by taking responsibility for student practicum sites, with recommendations to identify preferred preceptors early to avoid delays.
- Students learn from faculty with real-world clinical experience, fostering a challenging yet supportive academic environment tailored to diverse cohorts.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Virginia Wesleyan College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College offers an accelerated RN to MSN program with online and hybrid courses plus practicum experiences arranged in students' home communities, enabling faster degree completion without relocating.
- The program features specialized concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Leadership, preparing students for national certification exams and advanced practice roles with focused expertise.
- Students benefit from cohort-based admission with competitive selection and the opportunity for brief on-campus residencies providing direct faculty engagement and peer networking within an advanced practice nursing community.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected D’Youville University
- Duquesne University’s MSN program assigns each Family Nurse Practitioner student a dedicated faculty mentor to provide personalized guidance throughout their studies and career planning.
- The online MSN-FNP includes two mandatory on-campus residency visits that enhance hands-on clinical skills with 80 lab hours, maintaining high program quality and student engagement.
- The program offers flexible part-time enrollment with three annual start dates and allows completion timelines from three to five years, accommodating diverse student schedules and commitments.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of South Carolina
- The RN to MSN program offers flexible online coursework with both full-time and part-time study options, accommodating working professionals effectively.
- Students may transition seamlessly with four bridge courses designed to prepare for advanced nursing practice, ensuring readiness for specialized MSN tracks.
- Graduates gain preparation for national certification in healthcare leadership, education, or informatics, which enhances career advancement opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgia College & State University
- Georgia College MSN program features comprehensive student support in securing and arranging approved clinical preceptors and schedules within Georgia, ensuring practical and regionally relevant clinical experience for all students.
- The program requires mandatory hands-on on-campus labs and simulations once per semester, providing valuable real-world application of theoretical knowledge to enhance clinical skills.
- Students benefit from fully online coursework with minimal face-to-face requirements, offering flexibility for working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Buffalo
- The MSN program at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing offers robust clinical preparation with 750 unique clinical hours required in specialty areas, ensuring extensive hands-on experience for students.
- Students benefit from a competitive tuition rate of $470 per credit hour with part-time study options, accommodating working professionals who seek flexibility.
- The program emphasizes synchronous online learning combined with spring enrollment, providing accessible and structured coursework tailored to advanced practice nursing students.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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