10 Affordable MSN in Nursing Administration & Leadership 2025

If you already have your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and are ready to take on greater responsibility, an affordable Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration and leadership can help you get there. These programs prepare you for roles where you manage teams, oversee operations, and shape patient care policies. Such skills are in demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Earning your master's in nursing administration and leadership online can open doors to positions like nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer, often with higher salaries and more influence in decision-making.

In this article, you'll find accredited, budget-friendly master's in nursing leadership and administration options. Whether you're aiming to advance where you currently work or move into a new leadership role, these programs can help you reach your goals.

What Is an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership?

An MSN in nursing administration and leadership prepares experienced nurses for higher-level roles where they guide teams, manage operations, and influence patient care strategies. In many programs, administration and leadership are combined into one track. You'll take courses on organizational management, healthcare policy, and financial oversight with studies in communication, team building, and strategic decision-making.

Some schools may offer a more focused path, concentrating heavily on administrative functions such as budgeting and compliance or emphasizing leadership skills like staff development and change management. Regardless of the emphasis, the degree equips you with the advanced knowledge to handle complex healthcare challenges, work closely with executives, and create a positive workplace culture. You'll be prepared to take on positions such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or other executive-level roles in diverse healthcare settings.

Can You Earn an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Online?

Yes, many schools now offer master's in nursing leadership and administration programs entirely online, making them accessible for working nurses who need flexibility. Core coursework, such as healthcare finance, quality improvement, and leadership theory can often be completed fully online through asynchronous lectures, interactive assignments, and discussion boards.

Keep in mind that certain program elements, such as a practicum, residency, or capstone project, may require in-person participation. These are typically arranged in your local community so that you don't have to move. Some programs also offer optional on-campus immersions or networking events to strengthen professional connections.

This hybrid approach ensures you can complete the majority of your degree remotely while still meeting the experiential learning requirements that are vital for leadership preparation in nursing. The combination of online learning and locally based fieldwork makes it easier to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.

How Much Does an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Cost?

Tuition for an MSN in nursing leadership and administration typically ranges from about $350 to $900 per credit hour, depending on the school and your residency status. Public universities often offer lower rates for in-state students, while private institutions may have a single rate for all learners.

Program length also affects total cost. If you're attending full-time you may finish in as little as 18 months, while part-time could take you three years or more. Beyond tuition, you should budget for textbooks, technology fees, and potential travel expenses for on-site residencies or practicums.

Some schools charge a flat rate per term, which can be more affordable if you take heavier course loads. You should check on financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance, since these can help offset expenses and make it possible to complete your degree without significant financial strain.

10 Affordable MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Programs

The following list highlights accredited programs that balance quality education with affordability, giving you the chance to advance your nursing career without overwhelming debt.

1. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers an MSN in nursing leadership and administration that will help you transition into higher-level roles in healthcare management. The program is available fully online, giving you the ability to complete coursework on your own schedule while continuing to work.

Classes focus on areas such as strategic planning, healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and quality improvement, so that you can manage teams and drive operational success. You can also apply what you learn immediately in your current role through practical assignments and projects. The program is structured for working nurses, with eight-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year to help you progress at your own pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $290 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Rasmussen University offers financial aid options, including federal and state grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, for students who qualify.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers an online MSN in nursing leadership and administration of health care systems to prepare you for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. The program focuses on essential skills, such as strategic decision-making, healthcare finance, quality improvement, and policy development.

Courses are delivered asynchronously, letting you complete assignments on your schedule. The curriculum also incorporates a practicum experience, enabling you to apply leadership concepts in a real-world healthcare environment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $359 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CSU offers financial aid options, like scholarships and military tuition assistance for eligible students.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), pre-accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

3. Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) fully online MSN in nursing administration is for registered nurses who aim to advance into leadership and management positions. The curriculum blends advanced nursing theory with practical administrative skills, covering topics such as healthcare policy, organizational behavior, and financial management in healthcare settings.

Courses are delivered in an accelerated, seven-week format, allowing you to progress quickly while maintaining your professional responsibilities. You can complete the program entirely online, with a practicum component arranged in your local community to provide hands-on leadership experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $367 per credit hour
• Financial aid: TAMIU provides financial aid options including scholarships and payment plans to help make tuition more affordable.
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) provides an MSN with a nursing administration focus, created for working nurses who want to take on greater leadership responsibilities in healthcare. The program combines courses in advanced nursing practice with management-focused subjects such as healthcare finance, organizational leadership, and policy development.

Even though all the courses are online, you'll complete a practicum near your home. This degree is great if you want to influence healthcare delivery and administration while continuing to work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $348 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FHSU accepts financial aid through federal and state programs and offers scholarships and grants to help students reduce educational costs.
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Capella University

Capella University's online MSN with a nursing leadership and administration specialization is made for nurses seeking to move into executive, management, or administrative roles. The program offers two learning formats: GuidedPath, a structured schedule with set deadlines, and FlexPath, a self-paced option that allows you to control your progress and costs.

Courses cover leadership theory, strategic planning, healthcare quality and safety, and organizational management. You can complete either format of the program online, with practical experiences arranged in your community to meet course requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $465 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Capella University accepts financial aid through federal grants and loans and offers scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and flexible payment plans to make earning your degree more accessible.
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. Walden University

Walden University offers an online MSN with a nurse executive specialization for nurses aiming to lead healthcare organizations or departments. The program focuses on advanced leadership strategies, financial management, quality improvement, and organizational change.

You'll learn through an entirely online format that accommodates your schedule, making it easier to pursue your degree while maintaining work and personal commitments. Practicum experiences are arranged in your local area, so you can apply your skills in real-world healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Walden University accepts federal financial aid and offers scholarships, grants, and tuition savings opportunities for qualifying students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. Ohio University

Ohio University's (OU) online MSN with a nurse leader track is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in diverse healthcare environments. The curriculum blends advanced nursing practice with courses in healthcare policy, leadership theory, and strategic management.

Delivered primarily online, the program allows you to complete coursework on your schedule, with clinical experiences arranged in your community. This format makes it possible to continue working while you advance your education and leadership skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $522 per credit hour
• Financial aid: OU offers financial aid options, including scholarships and employer tuition assistance, to help make graduate education more affordable.
• Accreditation: CCNE

8. William Paterson University

William Paterson University's (WP) online MSN in nursing administration is tailored for registered nurses seeking to step into leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The program emphasizes healthcare operations, policy, budgeting, and personnel management while also strengthening your understanding of advanced nursing practice.

The online courses are in an accelerated format, allowing you to earn your degree in as little as 12 months. You can arrange your practicum experiences locally, giving you hands-on leadership practice without having to relocate. This program is a strong choice if you want to combine administrative expertise with your clinical background.

• Estimated tuition cost: $604 per credit hour
• Financial aid: WP accepts financial aid through federal and state programs and offers scholarships and payment plans to help students manage tuition costs.
• Accreditation: CCNE

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has an online MSN in nursing leadership and management for nurses who want to advance into administrative and executive roles. The program blends leadership theory, healthcare policy, and strategic decision-making with a focus on improving patient care systems.

The online curriculum is flexible enough for you to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities. You'll also complete a leadership-focused practicum in your local community, so you can apply what you've learned in a real-world healthcare setting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts federal financial aid and offers scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance for eligible students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

10. Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte's (Queens) online MSN program offers a nursing leadership in health systems track for nurses preparing to move into management and executive roles. The curriculum covers organizational leadership, healthcare finance, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.

Delivered in a flexible online format, the program allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule while fulfilling clinical and practicum requirements locally. You can finish the program in as little as two years, making it a manageable option for working nurses ready to lead.

• Estimated tuition cost: $721 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Queens accepts financial aid through federal and state programs and provides institutional scholarships and payment-plan options for qualifying students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings are based on clear, practical measures that matter most to prospective students, helping you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money.

• Accreditation: We only included programs with recognized accreditation to ensure they meet high standards for academic quality and professional credibility.
• Affordability: Tuition rates and fees were compared to identify programs that deliver strong value without sacrificing quality.
• Program reputation: Faculty expertise, curriculum strength, and graduate outcomes were considered to highlight programs respected in the nursing profession.

What To Expect in an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Program

An MSN in nursing administration and leadership combines advanced nursing expertise with key management and organizational skills, preparing you to lead teams and shape healthcare systems. You'll dive into topics like healthcare finance, strategic planning, organizational behavior, policy development, and leadership theory. Many programs also cover evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and human resource management so you're ready to make informed, executive-level decisions.

Beyond the classroom, most programs include a practicum or capstone project where you'll apply leadership strategies in real-world healthcare settings. In online programs, coursework is typically flexible, while practicum hours are arranged in your local community. These hands-on experiences help you sharpen essential skills like communication, team building, problem-solving, and change management. By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared for roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer.

Career Paths With an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership

Earning a nursing administration and leadership master's degree can open the door to a variety of high-level positions in health care. Graduates often pursue roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, chief nursing officer (CNO), or health care administrator. These positions are found in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, public health agencies, and academic institutions.

With a nursing administration degree, you may oversee nursing staff, manage budgets, develop policies, and ensure compliance with health-care regulations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of around $118,000, with top earners making well above that depending on location and experience.

FAQs About MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Programs

If you're considering advancing your career into management or executive roles in health care, you probably have questions about how an MSN in nursing administration and leadership can fit into your life and career plans. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask.

Is an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Worth It?

For many nurses, earning an MSN in nursing administration and leadership is a worthwhile investment. The degree can prepare you for higher-paying nursing administration jobs, such as nurse manager or chief nursing officer, where you'll have more influence over patient care standards and organizational policy.

Earning a nursing administration degree can open the door to higher salaries, sometimes tens of thousands more each year, along with stronger job security and room to grow in your career. Yes, the investment of time and money is significant, but for many, the long-term rewards make it worthwhile, especially if you're aiming for a leadership role where you can shape policies, guide staff, and improve patient outcomes.

Can You Work While Completing an MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership?

Yes, Many nurses successfully juggle their MSN studies with a full- or part-time job, especially since most online programs are built with working professionals in mind. Flexible, asynchronous coursework and part-time options mean you can log into lectures, complete assignments, and join discussions when it works for your schedule, even around night shifts.

What Is the Difference Between Nursing Administration and Nursing Leadership?

While nursing administration and nursing leadership often overlap, they each bring a different focus to healthcare management. Nursing administration leans more toward the operational side, like budgeting, staffing, compliance, and keeping departments or facilities running smoothly day to day.

Nursing leadership, on the other hand, is about inspiring and guiding teams, shaping workplace culture, and driving big-picture changes that improve patient care. Many MSN programs blend both areas, so you can gain the business know-how to manage operations while also building the vision and influence to lead people effectively.

How Competitive Are MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership Programs?

Competitiveness can vary from school to school, but most MSN programs in nursing administration and leadership have moderate admission standards. You'll typically need a BSN, an active RN license, relevant work experience, and a minimum GPA of around 3.0. Some programs may also ask for recommendation letters or a statement of purpose.

While acceptance rates are often higher than for more clinically focused MSN tracks, a strong application still makes a difference. Highlight any leadership experience, management responsibilities, or examples of how you've guided teams.

Discover More Online Nursing Master's Programs

Explore more online nursing master's programs on Learn.org to find the one that matches your career goals and schedule. Connect with schools directly to get details and start planning your next step.