10 Affordable Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) serve vital roles in patient care and overall public health. They also comprise one of the largest segments of the national healthcare system. There are 4.7 million RNs employed nationwide, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Registered nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can seek leadership roles, higher wages, and more flexibility in the job market.

If you are looking to advance your nursing career, you may be curious about MSN nursing programs. This article explores the fundamentals of online programs, answers questions related to MSN nursing degrees, and features ten cheap online MSN programs. Continue reading to learn more about earning your advanced degree online.

What Is a Master of Science in Nursing?

A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate degree that teaches advanced nursing theory and skills, allowing RNs to specialize in areas like adult-gerontology, pharmacology, nursing education, and healthcare administration. Graduates from MSN programs can take on leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and more. The schools featured in this article represent some of the cheapest online MSN programs available.

Can I Earn a Master of Science in Nursing Online?

Yes, you can earn your MSN online. Nursing coursework is conducted online; some programs offer asynchronous courses while others follow a synchronous course format.

However, not all cheap MSN online programs are conducted 100% remotely. Clinical experiences are essential to teaching hands-on skills and must be completed in person. Clinical experiences take place in healthcare settings like schools, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and nursing homes.

How Much Does an Online MSN Nursing Program Cost?

Online Master of Science in Nursing program costs range from $11,000 to more than $70,000. Generally, the cheapest MSN programs are offered by public schools. Students who are in-state residents can save significantly on tuition rates.

You can help offset education costs by taking advantage of financial aid options, such as grants and scholarships. To determine your eligibility for federal and state aid, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cheapest MSN Programs Online

This list represents some of the most affordable online MSN programs. All of the cheap MSN programs listed here are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

1. University of Central Florida

Located in Orlando, FL, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a large public school with an online MSN program that has been ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. Nursing students hone leadership skills and teaching strategies designed to improve the quality of patient care in healthcare settings.

The program is 31 to 36 credits, depending on your specialization track. You can choose to specialize in nursing leadership and management or as a nurse educator.

• Estimated tuition cost: $328 per credit hour (in-state); $1,234 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UCF encourages students to apply for FAFSA to determine their eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. National University

National University offers an MSN program that prepares students to become leaders within their chosen specialization. Nursing students can choose to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).

Coursework is delivered online and includes core courses such as advanced practice nursing, biomedical statistics, and health policy and finance. Both specialization tracks require capstone projects and in-person clinical hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $450 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a mid-sized private school in Lakewood, CO. CCU's online MSN program has two specialization options: nursing education and clinical care management in adult and geriatrics.

The degree program is 39 credits and includes courses like advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and nursing leadership in healthcare. Nursing theory courses are delivered online, and students complete clinical hours in their local communities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $543 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial support comes via grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a distance learning school based in Salt Lake City, UT. WGU offers an online RN to MSN program designed for students looking to finish their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and transition directly into an MSN program.

Once students complete their BSN coursework, they choose from one of three MSN specializations: nursing education, nursing informatics, or leadership and management. WGU charges a flat rate per semester, so students who take a greater number of courses save on overall tuition costs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,035 per semester
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help keep education costs low.
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is located in Lynchburg, VA, and has an extensive online learning platform. LU offers multiple advanced degree options, such as its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and dual MSN and Master of Science (MS) in healthcare administration programs. Students can choose online MSN specializations such as:

• community health
• health policy
• nurse educator
• nurse informatics
• nursing administration

LU's online MSN programs are 36 credit hours, and students can apply up to 50% of eligible transfer credits toward their degree. The programs have multiple start dates throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid opportunities include scholarships, grants, and loans. Military members receive reduced tuition rates.
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. Cleveland State University

Located in its namesake city, Cleveland State University (CSU) offers six online MSN program options. Programs range between 32 and 48 credits total. Nursing students choose one of the following specializations:

• nursing education
• forensic nursing
• family nurse practitioner
• specialized populations
• psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
• clinical nurse leader

Each MSN track at CSU delivers program coursework entirely online. All nursing students must complete an in-person practicum component to graduate. Full-time students can complete their programs in 19 months to two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $619 per credit hour (in-state); $620 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CSU provides grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to eligible students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large private school based in Manchester, NH. SNHU has an online MSN program with multiple specialization options. There are five program specializations:

• family nurse practitioner
• nursing education
• population healthcare
• healthcare quality and safety
• nurse executive leadership

Nursing students at SNHU learn health promotion and prevention tactics, consumer advocacy, and proposal strategies. Most MSN tracks are 36 credits (the FNP track is 51 credits), and all courses are delivered online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits to offset education costs.
• Accreditation: CCNE

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online MSN program that emphasizes leadership and key competencies, preparing its graduates for leadership roles, improving patient care and safety through evidence-based practices.

The online program is 30 credits and consists of 12 courses. Core courses include advanced human pathophysiology, healthcare evidence and informatics, and evaluating research for practice. Admission requirements stipulate that students must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA).

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,434 per semester
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants are all forms of financial aid available at ASU.
• Accreditation: CCNE

9. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati (UC) has run nursing education programs online for more than 20 years. UC's programs are ranked among the best online nursing master's programs by U.S. News & World Report. Online students can choose from one of five MSN degree tracks:

• nurse-midwifery
• family nurse practitioner
• adult-gerontology primary care
• nursing education
• women's health

The nursing programs have multiple start dates and range from 30 to 57 credits, depending on your chosen track.

• Estimated tuition cost: $752 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students receive grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits to help lower education costs.
• Accreditation: CCNE

10. Walden University

Walden University is a distance learning school based in Minneapolis, MN. Walden University offers many online MSN program options. Nursing students choose from five nurse practitioner (NP) and four specialty practice specializations, such as:

• pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
• family nurse practitioner
• nursing education
• nurse executive
• public health nursing

Coursework is conducted online, and students participate in supervised clinical experiences. Full-time students can earn their degrees in about two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $775 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial assistance is available through grants, loans, scholarships, military benefits, and employer reimbursement programs.
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like a school's accreditation status, reputation, and tuition rates when deciding which of the cheapest online nursing master's programs to feature.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed here are regionally accredited institutions. Their nursing programs are CCNE-accredited.
• Affordability: Tuition rates must be $1,000 or less per credit hour; schools must offer some forms of financial aid.
• Program reputation: An online MSN degree program's reputation is determined by program curriculum, experienced faculty members, pass rates, and any industry awards or recognition.

What To Expect From an Online MSN Master's Degree

Online MSN programs can range from 30 credits for certain specialties to more than 60 credits for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) tracks. An MSN core curriculum generally consists of nursing theory, leadership, and advanced science courses. Beyond the core curriculum, MSN programs have advanced courses that prepare nurses to become leaders and specialists in their chosen field of study.

Most online MSN programs include an in-person practicum or clinical experiences. These hands-on components can take place on campus or within your local community, depending on your program.

FAQs About the Most Affordable MSN Programs

This section answers commonly asked questions about MSN programs, from degree types to affordability.

Is an Affordable MSN Program Worth It?

An MSN degree provides you with the opportunity to take on leadership roles, earn a higher salary, and enjoy more flexibility in the job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists earned a median wage of $132,050 in 2024.

However, pursuing your graduate degree is an investment in both money and time. You must carefully consider your current work and family commitments, your budget, and your professional goals before committing to an MSN program.

Are MSN Programs Being Phased Out?

The AACN and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) have advocated for the DNP as the entry-level degree requirement for future nurse practitioners. The organizations are encouraging this change to ensure that NPs have the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to meet the changing national healthcare landscape.

However, this is not a current mandate for aspiring NPs, nor would it affect MSN students looking to earn their degrees in non-nurse practitioner specialties, like nursing education and public health nursing.

Can I Get My MSN Without a BSN?

Yes, you can earn your MSN without having a BSN. There are typically two pathways you can follow:

• Direct-entry MSN programs. In this scenario, students who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field apply directly to their chosen MSN program. The curricula for these programs are comprehensive and include many nursing foundational courses.
• RN to MSN programs. These bridge programs are for students who already hold their RN license, having graduated from associate degree programs. BSN coursework is integrated into the MSN program curriculum.

Are Online MSN Programs Respected?

Yes, online MSN programs are respected. Online MSN programs offered by CCNE-accredited institutions follow the same quality curriculum and clinical experience standards as their in-person program counterparts. Many colleges and universities that have both on-campus and online programs do not differentiate the program mode on their degrees.

What Types of Master's Degrees in Nursing Are There?

There are many types of master's degrees in nursing. Students can earn dual degrees, pursuing their MSN and another graduate degree (e.g., a Master of Public Health or Master of Healthcare Administration) at the same time.

Students in MSN programs generally choose a specialization. This can be an advanced practice registered nurse track (e.g., family nurse practitioner) or a non-APRN track (e.g., nursing informatics). Online MSN degree options include:

• pediatric nurse practitioner
• nurse educator
• certified nurse-midwife
• clinical nurse specialist
• nursing leadership

Discover Online MSN Degrees

There are many online pathways to help you pursue your higher education goals. Connect with the featured schools on Learn.org and discover which program best serves your nursing career journey.