Top 10 Cheap MSN Online Programs

Key Takeaways:

• Accredited Programs: Ensure programs are accredited for quality education that boosts careers. Fitchburg State University and University of West Georgia are some of our top picks.
• Affordability and Flexibility: Online MSN programs are often cheaper and more flexible than traditional programs, suitable for working nurses.
• Fast Completion Options: Some programs offer a faster path to completion, which can save money but require a strong commitment.
• Transfer Credits: Choosing programs that allow transfer credits can reduce overall costs and time to complete the degree.

Cheap MSN online programs for working nurses offer an affordable path to advance their careers. The most affordable online master of science in nursing degree programs are also flexible. Affordability is an essential factor to consider when online MSN program.

Online MSN programs or even online BSN to MSN programs are often more affordable than traditional nursing programs. These online MSN programs offer students the same affordable tuition rates, with some students residing in the same state of the institution or across the nation in another state. The best programs sacrifice nothing in quality while providing a degree that will return their investment with a real career boost.

One of the ways to reduce the tuition costs of an online MSN is with the cheapest online MSN programs that students can complete in a short time. Be cautious, though, because a 1-year course workload requires a serious commitment to successfully complete. Another possibility of reducing your costs to obtain your Master of Science in Nursing degree is to select an online MSN program with a generous transfer credit school policy. Each school operates with a different credit transfer policy, so be vigilant when researching this cost reduction possibility. Good luck with your school search!

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Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs

The Best Health Degrees ranking of cheap MSN programs began with a survey of fully online and hybrid MSN programs offered by accredited, reputable nursing schools. The ranking is organized by tuition cost, from lowest to highest, according to current IPEDS data.

With a master’s degree, nurses have many opportunities form nurse leadership roles to specialized nurses in advanced clinical roles. If you are interested in an online master of science in nursing, this article will help you find the right school, nursing program, degree, and specialization!

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1. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program specializing in Forensic Nursing. The fully online program offers a rolling admission policy for Registered Nurses with at least one year of experience. Additionally, students can complete the degree with 39 credit units. And it is one of the most affordable nursing programs in the Northeastern United States.

Fitchburg State University opened in 1894 as a normal school chartered by the Massachusetts state legislature. US News recognizes Fitchburg State among the highest-ranked master’s programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The school’s main urban campus covers over 30 acres and is home to more than 6,800 students. Additionally, the university follows the Carnegie Rule, which requires that each student at Fitchburg State must complete four courses per semester.

Degree: MSN – Forensic Nursing

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about this Master of Science in Nursing!

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2. University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia’s Tanner Health System School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is 100% online. Furthermore, UWG offers two academic tracks within its MSN program. Students can choose Health Systems Leadership (Clinical Nurse Leaders) or Nursing Education. The University of West Georgia’s program has accreditation from the CCNE. College Choice and US News recognizes UWG among the top affordable online MSN programs.

The university opened in 1906. It is a member school of the University System of Georgia system. The school’s campus covers over 625 acres and is in a college town about an hour west of Atlanta. UWG’s student body exceeds 13,700. Princeton Review recognizes the University of West Georgia among the top colleges in the Southeastern portion of the country.

Degree: MSN – 2 concentrations with a Nurse Educator track

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about this Master of Science in Nursing!

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3. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences/Department of Nursing Graduate Program offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is available 100% online or a hybrid version with clinical practicums only available in the state of Texas. There are two specialty tracks available from WTAMU’s MSN program. A comprehensive MSN requires 39 credit units, or a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) requires 46 credit units. Additionally, the CCNE accredits the MSN programs offered by WTAMU.

The university opened in 1910 as West Texas State Normal College. Its 175-acre campus is in the Texas town of Canyon, about 10 miles south of Amarillo. WTAMU is a member school of the state’s university system. Additionally, the school operates an Advanced Wind Turbine Test Facility and research facilities testing biosafety methodologies.

Degree: MSN – 2 concentrations

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing!

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4. Lamar University

Lamar University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is available 100% online. This MSN degree program has two academic concentrations in Nursing Administration (MSNA) and Nursing Education (MSNE). Each of Lamar University’s MSN academic nursing tracks requires the completion of 37 credit units to graduate. Students may attend on a part-time or full-time basis. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredits Lamar University’s online MSN.

Lamar University opened in 1934 as a public institution of higher education. In addition, the university is a member school of the Texas State University System and a space-grant school. The school’s urban campus covers nearly 300 acres and is home to more than 14,500 students. US News recognizes Lamar’s graduate online nursing programs among the best in the country. Before becoming a state university, it was the flagship campus of the Lamar University System.

Degree: MSN – 2 concentrations for Nursing Educator and Nurse Administrators

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click here to learn more about the MSN!

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5. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is available 100% online. This nursing degree program offers two specialty tracks for a Nurse Educator and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), preparing students to sit for the relevant certification examination. Degree candidates for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) academic track must complete 44 credit units, while the Nurse Education academic track requires 44 credit units to graduate. Coursework includes Organizational Leadership, Health Care Advocacy, and Theories of Nursing and Population Health.

The University of Central Missouri opened in 1871 as a state public institution of higher learning. The cam university of C1,500+-acres is home to more than 14,000 students studying from more than 140-degree programs offer. The University of Central Missouri operates several locations off-campus in Lee’s Summit and through their distance-learning platform.

Degree: MSN – 2 concentrations

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about the online Master of Science in Nursing!

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6. Indiana State University

The Department of Advanced Practice Nursing at Indiana State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is available entirely online. This affordable online Master of Science in Nursing has accreditation from the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). ISU’s MSN program offers two academic pathways. Students can take the Nursing Education track or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. The FNP academic path requires the completion of 47 credit units, whereas the Nurse Educator path requires the completion of 35 credit units.

Indiana State University opened in 1865 as the Indiana State Normal School. The school’s urban campus covers more than 200 acres in Terre Haute’s business section and is home to more than 12,000 students studying from more than 170 graduate and undergraduate programs. The Princeton Review recognizes ISU as one of the best institutions of higher learning in the US Midwest.

Degree: 2 concentrations

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about the MSN!

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7. Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that students can complete entirely online. This program is for nursing professionals who already possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing when applying. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered by Ferris State University. FSU’s MSN program offers three academic paths – Nursing Informatics, Nursing Education, and Nursing Administration.

Ferris State University started in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School. The school’s main campus is located on 880 acres in the rural community of Big Rapids, with a secondary campus in the urban location of Grand Rapids. The school’s student population exceeds 14,500 students. Woodbridge Nathan Ferris, who later became the governor of Michigan and a member of the US Senate representing Michigan, founded the school.

Degree: MSN in Nursing Administration or MSN in Nursing Informatics

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Interested: Click to learn more about the MSN online!

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8. Saint Francis Medical Center

Saint Francis Medical Center offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that offers nursing students seven academic pathways. These include a Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership, Adult-Gerontology, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Nurse. The ninth track is an accelerated RN to MSN for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. The SR Education Group recognizes OSF SFMC’s graduate nursing degree program among the most affordable online MSN programs.

Saint Francis Medical Center first opened in 1876. Today it is a teaching hospital for medical students at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The Saint Francis Medical Center is the 4th largest hospital in the entire state of Illinois. And it is also the major trauma center for more than 25 counties in the central portion of the state of Illinois.

Degree: MSN — 7 concentrations

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about the MSN!

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9. Liberty University

Liberty University School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is available entirely online and completed, on average, in about two years. LU’s MSN program offers seven specialty tracks that require 42 credit units to graduate. Two MSN concentration options offer dual degree paths, while the other academic tracks include Nursing Informatics, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Health Policy, and Community Health. The CCNE accredits LU’s online graduate nursing degree programs.

Liberty University was established in 1971 by Jerry Falwell. The school is an evangelical Christian institution of higher education and has affiliations with the Southern Baptist Church. Liberty University’s suburban 7,00-acre campus is home to 15,000 students who study on campus from 17 colleges/schools. Liberty University’s student enrollment, including its online student population, exceeds 110,000 members.

Degree: MSN – 7 concentrations

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click to learn more about the MSN!

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10. Ball State University

Ball State University offers three online MSN academic tracks specifically for working nurses. This MSN’s specialty pathways include Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Nurse Educator. The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway requires the completion of 47 credits, while the Nurse Educator and Nurse Administration concentrations only require 36 credit units. Additionally, CCNE accredits Ball State University’s distance-learning graduate nursing degree programs.

Ball State University opened in 1918 as a public research institution of higher learning that operates with two additional satellite campuses in Indianapolis and Fishers, IN. The school’s 1,000+-acre campus is home to more than 22,300 students studying from more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The tuition fees for the first year of operation were just $10 for the approximately 250 students who attended the first classes.

Degree: MSN – 3 concentrations

Credits: 36-47

Accreditation: Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Interested: Click here to learn more about this Master of Science in Nursing!

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How Much More Can I Make with an Online MSN Degree?

Nursing professionals with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) train in many specialty areas. These graduate nursing positions pay an MSN salary that exceeds the salaries offered to nurse professionals who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Registered Nurse nursing diploma (RN). According to government data, most MSN jobs pay $50 an hour or more. Most of the highest-paying jobs for nurses required an MSN.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the median salary for a Registered Nurse and a Master of Science in Nursing salaries are as follows:

• MS Nurse Salary — $113,930 per year; this translates to an MSN Salary per hour of $54.78.
• RN (or BSN) Nurse Salary — $71,730 per year; that translates to $34.48/year.

A Master of Science in Nursing salary will exceed that of a nursing professional without an MS nursing degree. In addition to the larger MS nurse salary, the job outlook through 2030 for nursing professionals with a graduate degree, far exceeds the expected growth in the nursing industry for those who only hold a baccalaureate degree or a nursing diploma.

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What is the Job Outlook with a Master’s in Nursing?

Most nurses with a master’s degree enter advanced nursing practice. These MSN graduates, like Nurse Practitioners, are in high demand. The BLS expects job growth for nurses with an MSN to increase by 45% through 2030. Registered Nurses without a master’s degree will be 9% through 2030.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the predicted job growth for undergraduate and graduate-level nursing professionals far exceeds the average 8% growth rate predicted for all US industries through 2030.

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How Long Does it Take to Complete an MSN?

Depending on your prior education, the program you choose, and the required clinical hours, it can take one year to five years. Generally speaking, a master’s degree takes two years for a student to finish attending full time.

Prior Education	Approximate time to MSN
Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN)	4 years full time
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)	3 years full time
Bachelors in Nursing (BSN)	1 to 2 years full time
Non Nursing Bachelor’s	3 years full time

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What are the Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing

An advanced degree in nursing has a few paths for degree completion. Below are a few of the types of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.  

RN to MSN Programs 

Can you go straight from an RN to an MSN? Yes. They are also called RN to MSN Bridge programs. These programs are for RNs with a two-year associate degree (ADN). It typically takes two or three years to complete, and students earn a BSN and an MSN in most programs. Additionally, most schools grant students credit for their ADN and clinical experience since they are already licensed RNs. 

BSN to MSN Programs 

Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can enter these programs and earn a master’s degree in two years. Part-time students can complete this degree in three to four years. RNs with a BSN can also take an accelerated 1 year online MSN program. However, these programs are fast-paced and require more commitment.

Direct Entry MSN Programs 

These programs are for individuals who are new to nursing but have non nursing bachelor’s degrees. Many have a non nursing bachelor’s degree in related fields with substantial transfer credits toward the BSN. These programs take three years to complete. The first year is an accelerated path to learning clinical nursing skills. Then the last two years are the Master’s level education. 

Dual MSN Program 

Dual programs enhance graduate nursing education with another field of studies. Public Health Policy, Business Administration, or Healthcare Leadership are popular choices. 

• MSN/MBA – Business Administration and Nursing
• MPH/MSN – Public Health and Nursing
• MHA/MSN – Healthcare Administration Leadership and Nursing

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What are MSN Nursing Specializations?

Schools offer many different types of MSN specialties. MSN specializations include advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties and non-advanced practice registered nurse (Non-APRN) specialties. Advanced practice registered nurses have a national or state certification in a specialty of practice and an RN license.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Specializations:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) / Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Certified Critical-Care Registered Nurse
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP)
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
• Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner

Non-APRN Advanced Nursing Roles and Specializations:

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
• Care Coordination
• Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
• Nurse Administrator / Nursing Administration
• Management & Organizational Leadership
• Nursing Executive / Executive Leader
• Nurse Educator / Nursing Education
• Clinical Research Nurse / Nurse Researcher / Nursing Research
• Public Health Nursing
• Nursing Informatics

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How Much Does an Online MSN Program Cost?

How much does an MSN degree cost? The cost of an MSN program varies. Factors affecting the total cost are the school, program, and student’s needs.

The education community offers many educational opportunities and resources for an online master’s degree. Many schools had distance education programs even before the tremendous popularity of distance learning or online educational platforms. The great news is that there are now incredibly affordable online MSN degree programs from some of the best institutions of higher learning in the United States.

A simple Internet search is the easiest way to locate the cheapest online MSN programs. As you search for the cheapest online MSN programs, remember that smaller schools and public regional colleges also offer affordable MSN programs with quality education through distance learning platforms. Many schools also waive the out of state tuition rates for MSN degree online students.

An online MSN program generally varies greatly and falls between $125 per credit unit (on the low side) and $325 per credit unit (on the high side). And while these typical online MSN program per credit costs may seem a bit out of reach, you must remember the current and ongoing strong demand for nursing professionals across the country. Below are some general rules for finding the cheapest degree programs.

• in-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition
• public universities are cheaper than private universities
• online programs are cheaper than traditional campus programs
• nursing is an in-demand profession, and there are many scholarships and financial aid programs

What is clear to most nursing students is that online MSN programs are almost always more affordable than on-campus institutions of higher learning, especially from Ivy League or the elite group of schools. Finding the nursing program that is right for you and meets your career goals is essential.

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What Jobs Can You Get with an Online MSN Degree?

With this graduate degree in hand, there are many MSN degree job opportunities from which to choose. These MSN degree job opportunities allow MSN nursing students to select from various specialties and disciplines.

• Research Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Critical-Care Registered Nurse
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Research Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Some other well-paying Master’s in Nursing jobs include the following specialties:

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MSN and Licensure for Nursing

There are two primary components to nursing. First, individuals must have completed an accredited nursing education program. But also, nursing is a licensed profession. So all nurses must hold a license from their state’s Board of Nursing (BON). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) oversees the state BONs. 

Most MSN graduates are Registered Nurses (RNs) in the state where they practice. After they complete the MSN degree and required work experience, these nurses can earn a certification in their area of specialization. Additionally, in most states, there are four advanced practice licenses.

Types of APRN Licenses

• Certified Nurse Practitioners (APRN-CNP)
• a Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN-CNS)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (APRN-CRNA)
• a Certified Nurse Midwife (APRN-CNM)

Nursing Licensure Compact

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement that grants license reciprocity to nurses. The multistate agreement allows a nurse with a license from an NLC member state to practice in other NLC member states. Some restrictions and exceptions exist, but this agreement allows nurses to move or take jobs across state lines. Thirty-four states have enacted NLC.

APRN Compact

The APRN Compact was adopted in 2020 but is not yet implemented. It furthers the RN compact and extends to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). It gives the same reciprocity to APRNs as RNs have under the NLC. To date, only three states approved the APRN Compact. It will implement fully when seven states have enacted the legislation. 

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How Do You Pay for a Master’s Degree?

Nursing students can save money by saving time. Accelerated programs are an excellent choice for nurses who can keep up with the rigorous pace. Most programs cost less, and graduates also start to earn a higher salary much faster.

To receive tuition assistance, students must attend an accredited nursing school. For help paying for school, students should apply for federal financial aid and nursing scholarships. The first step is to complete a FAFSA. Once your need is calculated, students can receive federal and state government funds for assistance.

In addition, because nurses are in high demand, there are many programs to attract new nurses to the profession or to encourage experienced nurses to earn a more advanced degree. Additionally, professional nursing organizations are a great source of information for finding financial resources.

• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• National League for Nursing (NLN) 
• American Academy of Nursing
• The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) 
• National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing

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Selected MSN Scholarships

Nurses interested in a nurse practitioner program can find scholarships from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP website). 

The Oncology Nursing Foundation (website) offers scholarships for MSN students interested in oncology.

The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (website) has scholarships for service. Nursing students in nurse practitioner programs can receive money for graduate school in return for two years of work in a critical shortage facility.

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Is Getting an MSN Degree Worth It?

Yes. An affordable online master’s degree is an excellent investment in your career. An advanced degree will increase your salary potential and job opportunities. Additionally, a specialized education will help you advance your career into management positions or roles with more responsibility. For example, an advanced practice nurse can prescribe medications. Earning a master’s degree is an investment and requires commitment and sacrifice. But, if you are ready, start making a list of schools and move to your future!

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