Home Online Schools Nursing Programs (RN) Master’s MSN Most Affordable

Why Trust EduMed?

250+ expert nursing & allied health contributors

500+ college & university connections

2,000+ users matched to programs monthly

Meet Our Team Editorial Values

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Author: Malia Wofford
An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Malia Wofford Arrow up right
Malia Wofford is a copywriter and content strategist with experience in healthcare, marketing, and digital media. She holds a business degree from California State Polytechnic University. Malia has developed search-optimized content for global brands, including healthcare organizations such as Grifols and MyEyeDr. Her expertise includes content strategy, SEO, and audience engagement, focusing on creating engaging, data-driven content that improves visibility, educates audiences, and drives conversions. She specializes in making complex health topics accessible across multiple platforms.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Nursing Pre-Nursing
Healthcare EducationNursingPre-Nursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
A man with short hair and a beard looks upward with a slight smile. The image is in sepia tones, and the background is plain and light-colored.
Wes Ricketts Arrow up right
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check Editorial Senior Care Dementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

Keep Learning

Guide to the Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Relieve the financial burden of your education...

Most Affordable Online RN to MSN Programs: Finding Low-Cost Schools

Advance your nursing career with affordable...

Online MSN Programs: Choosing the Right School

Look inside some of today's best online MSN...

13 Online MSN Programs with Tuition You Can Afford

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.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Author: Malia Wofford
An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Malia Wofford Arrow up right
Malia Wofford is a copywriter and content strategist with experience in healthcare, marketing, and digital media. She holds a business degree from California State Polytechnic University. Malia has developed search-optimized content for global brands, including healthcare organizations such as Grifols and MyEyeDr. Her expertise includes content strategy, SEO, and audience engagement, focusing on creating engaging, data-driven content that improves visibility, educates audiences, and drives conversions. She specializes in making complex health topics accessible across multiple platforms.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Nursing Pre-Nursing
Healthcare EducationNursingPre-Nursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
A man with short hair and a beard looks upward with a slight smile. The image is in sepia tones, and the background is plain and light-colored.
Wes Ricketts Arrow up right
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check Editorial Senior Care Dementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

Jump To Section

Jump ToSection:

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

  1. Choose your degree
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites

Use our 4-step matching tool to find top schools in your field. Review options and connect with your favorites.

I want my
In

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.

Programs that might interest 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

Ranking the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs

About the Ranking
1
1

Salem State University

Best for: hybrid format learners
Avg. Tuition $2,520
Avg. Cost/Credit $140
2
2

Georgia Southwestern State University

Best for: online-only practitioners Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $3,582
Avg. Cost/Credit $199
3
3

Fayetteville State University

Best for: HBCU students Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $3,438
Avg. Cost/Credit $191
4
4

Colorado State University Pueblo

Best for: nursing administration students Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $7,420
Avg. Cost/Credit $412
5
5

Georgia College & State University

Best for: BSN-prepared nurses Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $7,226
Avg. Cost/Credit $341
6
6

Fort Hays State University

Best for: leadership-focused students Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $4,218
Avg. Cost/Credit $234
7
7

Liberty University

Best for: accelerated learners Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $8,026
Avg. Cost/Credit $488
8
8

University of West Georgia

Best for: accelerated learners Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $4,446
Avg. Cost/Credit $247
9
9

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Best for: working professionals Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $4,280
Avg. Cost/Credit $238
10
10

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Best for: FNP certification seekers Board Approved
Avg. Tuition $4,535
Avg. Cost/Credit $299

Keep Learning

Guide to the Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Relieve the financial burden of your education...

Most Affordable Online RN to MSN Programs: Finding Low-Cost Schools

Advance your nursing career with affordable...

Online MSN Programs: Choosing the Right School

Look inside some of today's best online MSN...

Malia Wofford AUTHOR

Malia Wofford is a copywriter and content strategist with experience in healthcare, marketing, and digital media. She holds a business degree from California State Polytechnic University. Malia has developed search-optimized content for global brands, including healthcare organizations such as Grifols and MyEyeDr. Her expertise includes content strategy, SEO, and audience engagement, focusing on creating engaging, data-driven content that improves visibility, educates audiences, and drives conversions. She specializes in making complex health topics accessible across multiple platforms.

Read More About Malia Wofford

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
Logo of EDUMED, featuring a stylized graduation cap forming the letter 'M' in a monochromatic orange, with the rest of the letters in purple on a green background.
Privacy Settings

When you visit the EduMed website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. This information may pertain to you, your preferences, or your device and is primarily used to ensure the site functions as expected and to deliver a more personalized experience. You can choose to disable certain types of cookies; however, this may affect your experience on the site and limit the services we can provide. Click on the different category headings to learn more and customize your settings. Please note that you cannot opt out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies, as these are essential for the proper functioning of the website (e.g., displaying the cookie banner, remembering your preferences, logging into your account, redirecting upon logout, etc.).