Top 10 Fast & Affordable Online ADN to MSN Programs 2025

Advancing from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can be a smart and time-saving investment for your career. The cheapest ADN to MSN online programs streamline education by combining Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and MSN coursework, reducing both cost and completion time.

These accredited bridge pathways prepare registered nurses (RNs) for leadership, education, and specialized practice roles, while offering the flexibility of online learning. If you're ready to move your nursing career forward quickly and affordably, keep reading to explore your options.

How Do You Go From ADN to MSN?

You can advance from an ADN to an MSN degree by first meeting admission requirements, such as RN licensure, GPA standards, and prerequisite courses. Students typically enter ADN to MSN bridge programs that combine BSN-level coursework with graduate study.

These programs integrate advanced theory, leadership, and clinical practice. Accelerated tracks shorten timelines by streamlining prerequisites and overlapping BSN/MSN requirements.

Can You Pursue an ADN to MSN Online?

Yes, you can pursue online ADN to MSN programs. Coursework in nursing theory, leadership, and research is typically offered fully online for flexibility; however, in-person requirements often include clinical rotations, skills labs, or short on-campus intensives.

These hands-on components ensure students meet requirements for an RN license and accreditation standards while still benefiting from the convenience of online learning.

How Long Does an Accelerated ADN to MSN Program Take?

Accelerated ADN to MSN degree programs usually take two to three years full-time, while part-time students may need three to four years. Timelines vary based on transfer credits, bridge coursework, and required clinical hours. Prior experience, course load, and program design, such as condensed or flexible formats, also influence how quickly students can complete their degree.

How Much Does an Online ADN to MSN Program Cost?

Generally speaking, the average tuition for a four-year degree is $15,200 at public colleges and $29,700 at private nonprofit universities, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students can apply for grants, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance to help lower these costs. Programs that offer generous transfer credits can not only reduce costs but also decrease completion time.

Fastest and Cheapest ADN to MSN Programs Online

Discover the fastest and cheapest ADN to MSN programs online, designed to help nurses advance their careers quickly and affordably.

1. Northeastern University

This unique direct entry MSN pathway enables individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn both a BSN and MSN. The first 16 months involve intensive, sequential undergraduate-level coursework and clinical training culminating in RN licensure.

After one to two years of professional RN experience, students advance to graduate-level MSN specialty tracks — such as family nurse practitioner (NP), adult-gerontology NP, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner — completed online or part-time depending on pace and specialization.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,810
• Program length: 16 months for BSN, one to two years RN experience, followed by 16 to 24 months for MSN
• Financial aid: Federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and private loan options are available to qualified students.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a fully online nursing degree that uses a competency-based model, letting students progress as they master skills. The program features flat-rate tuition per six-month term, allowing faster learners to save significantly on overall costs.

With flexible pacing, generous transfer credit policies, and multiple specialization options, nursing students can accelerate their advancement into leadership, education, or nursing informatics roles while balancing career and personal commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,658
• Program length: 36 to 42 months
• Financial aid: Students are eligible for federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and benefit from WGU's tuition model that rewards faster completions.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and CCNE

3. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers an accelerated online RN to BSN/MSN bridge program for ADN-prepared nurses, culminating in an MSN with a nurse executive concentration. RN students receive credit for 40 hours of nursing courses on admission and can apply for early graduate admission while completing BSN program requirements.

The program doesn't require campus visits, offers flexibility with online coursework, and awards degrees consecutively for BSN and MSN as each is completed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,180
• Program length: Two years
• Financial aid: The university offers scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid; online students can pay in-state tuition rates.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and CCNE

4. Walden University

The Walden University ADN to MSN bridge program allows registered nurses to earn both BSN and MSN credentials through an accelerated online pathway. Coursework is delivered fully online, with multiple specialization options such as nurse practitioner, education, or informatics.

Walden supports students with its Practicum Pledge, helping them secure nearby clinical placements needed to fulfill hands-on training requirements. Designed for working RNs, this accredited program offers flexible scheduling, no application fee, and seamless progression into graduate-level nursing roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,762
• Program length: 18 to 24 months
• Financial aid: Walden offers federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and targeted nursing awards, including the Believe and Achieve Scholarship.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and CCCNE

5. National University

As one of the fastest ADN to MSN programs in California, National University lets registered nurses with an associate's degree bypass a baccalaureate degree and go straight to graduate-level nursing. Coursework is mostly online, with brief in-person components like immersion experiences or clinical site visits.

The program is accelerated — designed to be completed in as little as 12 to 21 months. This MSN program accommodates busy, working RNs with flexible schedules and minimal administrative barriers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,284
• Program length: 12 to 21 months
• Financial aid: National University offers institutional financial aid, and RN applicants may apply transfer credits to reduce overall tuition.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and CCNE

6. Herzing University

Herzing University streamlines advancement for ADN-prepared RNs through its accelerated online master nurse practitioner programs. These pathways — available in tracks like nursing education, leadership and administration, public health nursing, and adult-gerontology primary care — offer fully online coursework, guaranteed clinical placement support, and stackable credentials that enable seamless progression toward DNP if desired.

With flexible pacing and multiple specialization options, it's tailored to accommodate working nurses aiming for leadership or educator roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,450
• Program length: 16 to 32 months, depending on the specialty
• Financial aid: The college accepts federal and private loans, scholarships like the Nurses Circle of Achievement, and VA or military benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

7. Post University

The online RN to BSN/MSN dual-degree bridge path at Post University allows ADN-prepared RNs to earn both degrees in one streamlined program. Students can choose from two flexible learning modes: the structured term-based option or a self-paced SIMPath mode.

These options allow students to tailor coursework to their schedules. Monthly starts, fully online classes, 57 nursing credits, and individualized practice experiences support progression toward specializations like leadership, education, informatics, or case management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,327
• Program length: 24 to 42 months
• Financial aid: Federal financial aid, nursing-specific tuition reductions, scholarships, military tuition programs, and payment-plan options are available.
• Accreditation: NECHE and CCNE

8. University of Texas at Arlington

Through its innovative online RN to MSN bridge program, the University of Texas at Arlington enables RNs to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing more efficiently. Students can choose tracks such as administration, education, or leadership while completing coursework entirely online.

The curriculum is structured for flexibility, with accelerated pacing that supports working nurses seeking advanced credentials without pausing their careers. The program combines affordability, speed, and academic rigor.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,500
• Program length: 36 months
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available, and the program uses pay-by-the-course options with a tuition guarantee to lock in rates.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

9. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online ADN/RN to MSN bridge program designed for working nurses who want to advance quickly into graduate-level roles. The program combines BSN and MSN coursework in an accelerated format, saving time and tuition compared to earning each degree separately.

Students benefit from generous transfer credit policies, flexible eight-week courses, and the option for short on-campus intensives. Specializations include nursing leadership, education, and informatics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,362
• Program length: About two years
• Financial aid: Liberty provides federal financial aid, scholarships, military tuition discounts, and free electronic textbooks for undergraduate courses.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

10. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University's online ADN-to-MSN option allows registered nurses with an associate degree and a related bachelor's to complete their MSN in just 19 months. The program uses five-week intensive courses and emphasizes faith-based instruction in nursing education or leadership roles.

While most coursework is delivered fully online, participants must attend two full-day campus residency workshops: one at the start and one at the end for orientation and culminating presentations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $32,520
• Program length: 19 months
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and state loan forgiveness options may be available to qualified students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate each ADN to MSN program based on consistent, measurable criteria to highlight the fastest, most affordable, and well-respected options.

• Accreditation: We prioritize programs accredited by recognized institutional and nursing bodies, ensuring academic quality and eligibility for licensure.
• Affordability: Tuition rates and financial aid opportunities are compared to identify programs offering strong value at or below $1,000 per credit.
• Program length: We consider the average time to completion, giving higher ranking to accelerated or streamlined pathways that shorten degree timelines.
• Program reputation: Schools with established nursing programs, positive student outcomes, and professional recognition rank higher for long-term career credibility.

Career Paths With an MSN

Graduates with an MSN can pursue advanced healthcare professional roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical educator, nurse executive, postsecondary nursing instructor, or other roles within the healthcare system.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median of about $132,050 annually, with employment projected to grow 40% from 2023 to 2033. Clinical educators and postsecondary nursing instructors typically earn around $80,780, with demand rising about 8%. Nurse executives, categorized under medical and health services managers, earn a median $117,960, with robust job growth of 29% projected by 2033.

FAQs About Fast and Cheap ADN to MSN Programs Online

Many students seek clarity about fast and affordable ADN to MSN programs online. These frequently asked questions address common concerns.

Is an Accelerated ADN to MSN Worth It?

Yes, an accelerated ADN to MSN is worth it for motivated RNs seeking advanced roles faster. These programs save time and money by combining BSN and MSN coursework, leading to higher salaries, leadership opportunities, and increased job security while minimizing career interruptions compared to earning two separate degrees.

Are Online ADN to MSN Programs Respected?

Yes, online ADN to MSN programs are respected when accredited by recognized bodies like CCNE or ACEN. Employers value accredited degrees that meet rigorous academic and clinical standards. As long as state licensure and certification requirements are fulfilled, graduates are equally competitive in leadership, education, and advanced practice nursing roles.

What Courses Will I Take in an RN to MSN Online Program?

In an RN to MSN online program, students complete advanced coursework in leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. Classes emphasize nursing theory, healthcare policy, and population health, alongside specialized training in chosen tracks such as administration, education, or advanced practice. Clinical experiences integrate knowledge with hands-on, professional application in real settings.

Can You Go From RN to NP Online?

Yes, you can go from RN to NP online through accredited bridge programs. Coursework is primarily delivered online, while clinical training and practicums occur in person. These programs offer flexible, accelerated pathways that allow working nurses to advance into nurse practitioner roles while maintaining professional and personal responsibilities.

Discover More Online Nursing Programs

Explore related nursing pathways at the schools featured on Learn.org. Discover more flexible, affordable options for advancing your career.