Most Affordable Online MSN Programs for 2024
Explore affordable online MSN programs from top schools that can help you take the next leap in your nursing career for less.
Written By

Kenya McCullum
- Bio
Kenya McCullum is a freelance writer based in California.
last updated
If you’re a nurse who wants to advance your career—whether you want to take a supervisory role at a healthcare facility, become an educator, or provide advanced care as a nurse practitioner—you can get the training you need while continuing to work through one of many quality online MSN programs. Finding ways to keep costs low is important, so before you choose a program, you’ll want to review this roundup of the 50 most affordable MSN programs, as well as tips on other ways to save money on your nursing grad education.
50 Most Affordable Online MSN Programs in 2024
Although you’ll want to consider many factors when choosing an MSN program—such as accreditation, specializations, and the experience of faculty members—there’s no denying that affordability is one of the most important. To help you choose a school that has been vetted for its quality and affordability, we compiled the following list of online nursing master’s degree programs using the latest data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System). For more information about how these rankings were calculated, click on the “About the ranking” button.
X
Base Methodology for EduMed’s Most Affordable Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, 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 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
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 schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Following metrics were all equally weighted.
Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
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 2023
# | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA | Public | $ | 2 | Georgia College and State University's online Master of Science degree program is a primarily online program with in-person clinicals that must be completed in Georgia at an approved location. Another in-person requirement students must complete is the occasional campus visit for labs and other interactive learning requirements. However, the bulk of the courses can be completed online and in the following specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Midwifery. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %92% |
|||
2 | Denver College of NursingDenver, CO | Private for-profit | $ | 1 | The Master of Science in Nursing at Denver College of Nursing is available for RNs who want to further their knowledge and mastery of the art and science of nursing. After graduation, they can seek careers as nurse leaders and in education. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, leadership, teaching strategies, curricular development and planning, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based nursing. The program is fully online. You must have an unencumbered state RN license in your home state to qualify. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %100% |
|||
3 | Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, TX | Public | $ | 2 | The Master of Science in Nursing program curriculum at Tarleton State University is offered in an accelerated track allowing students to take two courses every eight weeks and graduate in about one year. Those who want a less intense course load can instead take one class every eight weeks and graduate in two years. Both tracks can be completed mostly online, with two practicums required. Students can also choose between the Nursing Education and Nursing Administration specializations and between a final project that consists of a thesis or a capstone course. Program Highlights: MSN in Nursing Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %97% |
|||
4 | Rasmussen University-WisconsinGreen Bay, WI | Private for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
5 | Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA | Private not-for-profit | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %97% |
||||
6 | Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %94% |
||||
7 | Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %88% |
||||
8 | University of Southern MainePortland, ME | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %73% |
||||
9 | University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %93% |
||||
10 | University of Southern IndianaEvansville, IN | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %96% |
||||
11 | West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
12 | Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AK | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
Online Student %83% |
||||
13 | Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford, OK | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
14 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main CampusPortales, NM | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %93% |
||||
15 | Albany State UniversityAlbany, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %90% |
||||
16 | University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %92% |
||||
17 | Saint Joseph’s College of MaineStandish, ME | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio8/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
18 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
Online Student %58% |
||||
19 | Midway UniversityMidway, KY | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
20 | University of North GeorgiaDahlonega, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
Online Student %80% |
||||
21 | Clayton State UniversityMorrow, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %97% |
||||
22 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %82% |
||||
23 | University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio8/1 |
Online Student %45% |
||||
24 | Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches, LA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %97% |
||||
25 | Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %82% |
||||
26 | Louisiana CollegePineville, LA | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1 |
Online Student %82% |
||||
27 | University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %94% |
||||
28 | Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %63% |
||||
29 | Grantham UniversityLenexa, KS | Private for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio25/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
30 | Lamar UniversityBeaumont, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
Online Student %94% |
||||
31 | Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville, AK | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
Online Student %83% |
||||
32 | New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %63% |
||||
33 | East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
Online Student %73% |
||||
34 | Stevenson UniversityStevenson, MD | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %97% |
||||
35 | Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
36 | Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %77% |
||||
37 | Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
38 | The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %80% |
||||
39 | Wilmington UniversityNew Castle, DE | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
Online Student %87% |
||||
40 | University of St FrancisJoliet, IL | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %85% |
||||
41 | Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg, KS | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %75% |
||||
42 | Nicholls State UniversityThibodaux, LA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %67% |
||||
43 | Wheeling UniversityWheeling, WV | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
Online Student %93% |
||||
44 | Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery, AL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %81% |
||||
45 | Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %79% |
||||
46 | Wilson CollegeChambersburg, PA | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %88% |
||||
47 | Winona State UniversityWinona, MN | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %87% |
||||
48 | University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %62% |
||||
49 | West Coast University-DallasDallas, TX | Private for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
50 | McNeese State UniversityLake Charles, LA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %74% |
What Makes an Online MSN Program Affordable?
An MSN program’s affordability is based on multiple factors. This section explores some of the variables that may affect the bottom-line cost of your MSN degree.
How much financial aid you can secure for your online MSN program
The amount of financial aid you get depends on several factors, such as if your school provides scholarships to nursing students and if your income level makes you eligible for certain grants. You may be able to receive financial aid from the federal and state government, as well as from your school and professional nursing organizations that want to help nurture people in the field.
If the MSN program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working
Many online MSN programs offer courses on an asynchronous basis, meaning you can access the classwork at your convenience. In addition schools may also have short semesters, allowing you to finish classes in weeks instead of months. These programs are made with busy nurses in mind, so you can continue making a living as you earn your degree.
Whether you live in-state or out-of-state
Attending a nursing school in-state or out-of-state can have a huge impact on your tuition bill. In fact, in-state tuition can range from $100 to $200 per credit hour depending on the school you attend, while out-of-state tuition can cost around $400 per credit.
How much of the MSN program coursework is offered online
The amount of MSN program coursework offered online depends on the school you attend. In many cases, you can take your entire curriculum online, except for any required practicum to get hands-on training. Some schools may expect you to travel to campus occasionally for laboratory work or special classes, but you’ll save money by not going to campus regularly.
How much it costs to apply
The cost of application fees may not be something you consider as you’re applying to MSN programs, but if you’re interested in several schools those fees can definitely add up. The fee to apply varies depending on the school, but generally you can expect to pay $25 to $100 per application.
If the nursing grad school is private or public
Choosing a private or public nursing school for your graduate studies can also make a huge difference in your tuition rates. Although it varies from one school to the next, in-state tuition costs at public institutions can be half the amount you’d pay at a private college or university.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online MSN Degree
Public or private, in state or out of state—no matter which online nursing master’s degree program you choose, you’ll still have opportunities to save money on your tuition. Consider these three options for lowering the cost of your online MSN degree.
- Search for scholarships and grants designed specifically for MSN students.
Be sure to look for scholarships and grants that are specifically designed for nursing students, including funding from federal and state programs, school scholarships, and organizations that cater to the nursing industry. To find out what your options are, review our scholarships for nurse practitioner students and scholarships for nursing students pages for information on the different types of scholarships that are available.
- Find out if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program.
You may work at a facility that invests in its employees by offering tuition reimbursement. Employers like Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and Texas Health Resources all have tuition reimbursement programs, so it’s worthwhile to find out if your employer offers this benefit.
- Explore student discounts.
From education costs to supplies, students can find various ways to save through discounts. For example, local medical supply stores may offer student discounts for scrubs and equipment. To find out more information about sources to help you save money, visit our nursing student discounts page.
More Resources

Online Direct-Entry MSN Programs for Non-Nurses
Michael Hoffman
by: Michael Hoffman
A former practicing attorney, Michael Hoffman has years of experience as a freelance journalist specializing in the research and writing of higher education content – from online learning to financial aid, and everything in between. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.

Top RN to MSN Online Programs for 2024
Michael Hoffman
by: Michael Hoffman
A former practicing attorney, Michael Hoffman has years of experience as a freelance journalist specializing in the research and writing of higher education content – from online learning to financial aid, and everything in between. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.

Getting Into Your Master of Nursing (MSN) Program: An Admissions Guide
Kenya McCullum
by: Kenya McCullum
Kenya McCullum is a freelance writer based in California.