Top 10 Cheapest RN to MSN Online Programs in 2025

Registered nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs are designed for RNs ready to pursue advanced nursing roles. In these programs, students with an associate degree or nursing diploma can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an MSN.

Do you want to pursue this graduate nursing degree online — and with affordable tuition? Keep reading to learn where you can find the cheapest RN to MSN online programs.

How Do You Go From RN to MSN?

RNs who want to earn their MSN typically follow these steps:

• Meet program admission requirements (earn an associate degree and complete prerequisites).
• Take required nursing courses.
• Complete clinical experiences.

Earning BSN and MSN degrees would normally take six years; however, accelerated or bridge programs help students complete their studies in a fraction of the time.

Can You Pursue an RN to MSN Online?

Yes, many schools offer an RN to MSN degree with online coursework. However, some programs also include campus-based intensives or residencies during which students commute to the campus or a satellite location for hands-on training. Most programs also incorporate clinical experiences that provide real-world, in-person training in an approved healthcare setting.

How Much Does an Online RN to MSN Program Cost?

The cost of online RN to MSN programs varies based on factors such as residency and enrollment status. However, on average, learners pay $950 per credit, with tuition reaching as low as $300 per credit. If you'd like to reduce costs, consider applying for scholarships and financial aid. Employer tuition assistance can also help you save.

Cheapest RN to MSN Programs Online

Are you ready to advance your nursing career? Explore the schools below to find the cheapest RN to MSN online.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers an online RN to MSN bridge program that culminates in both a BSN and an MSN. This competency-based degree, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), allows students to navigate coursework at their own pace. Available MSN specialties include:

• leadership and management
• nurse education
• nursing informatics

In addition to specialty courses, students explore healthcare policy and complex healthcare systems. Field experiences are required, but can be completed in a facility near each student.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,325 per six-month term
• Program length: 38 months or less
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships make learning at WGU more affordable.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Students interested in advanced nursing careers can pursue the accelerated online RN to MSN program at Southern New Hampshire University. In this program, learners can choose from the following MSN tracks:

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

Though this program is designed for students with a BSN, learners with associate degrees are welcome to apply.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Program length: As little as one year (for BSN) plus time to complete MSN
• Financial aid: Scholarships, financial aid, military discounts, and other aid can help students lower costs.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University prepares RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for advanced nursing careers in its RN to MSN online program. Enrollees study healthcare policy and ethics in nursing, and deepen their knowledge with one of five specializations:

• clinical nurse leader
• nursing education
• nursing management and executive leadership
• family nurse practitioner
• psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

To enroll, most students need a 3.0 GPA; however, for select specializations, a 3.2 is required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 to $955 per credit hour
• Program length: 3.5 years
• Financial aid: Students seeking financial assistance can reduce costs with federal aid, military benefits, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. University of Alabama

The RN to BSN/MSN with a nurse executive concentration at the University of Alabama is a 53- to 59-credit online program for students with RN licensure and an associate degree or diploma in nursing. In this CCNE-accredited program, students explore coursework in informatics for advanced practice nursing and health policy.

Practical experience is required for degree completion, which students obtain through practicum courses in nursing administration, health care systems, and strategic planning in healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $399 per credit (bachelor's degree); $480 per credit (master's degree)
• Program length: Four semesters (BSN) plus completion of master's degree
• Financial aid: The university offers scholarships, grants, and other aid to help students save.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Capella University

Capella University's RN to MSN in nursing education is a flexible online program offering specialization courses designed around NLN competencies for nurse educators. This 66-credit, CCNE-accredited program is designed for students who have a BSN. RNs with an associate degree can enter this program, but won't earn a BSN upon completion.

Once enrolled, students can choose from two learning formats. GuidedPath offers set schedules and deadlines, and FlexPath is self-paced.

• Estimated tuition cost: $465 per credit (GuidedPath); $2,985 per 12-week billing session (FlexPath)
• Program length: As little as 13 months (FlexPath); 39 months (GuidedPath)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, employer assistance, and loans can help students increase affordability.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Spalding University

Spadling University offers three 60-credit CCNE-accredited RN to MSN programs for students with an ADN interested in earning a BSN and MSN. Learners can choose from the following programs:

• hybrid RN to MSN - FNP
• 100% online RN to MSN - nurse educator
• 100% online RN to MSN - healthcare leadership

Each program offers rolling admissions and multiple start dates for greater flexibility. Personalized success coaching is available to help enrollees excel.

• Estimated tuition cost: $510 to $825 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies by program
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and other types of aid are available to make learning at Spalding more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can pursue a 100% online MSN exploring health policy, ethics, nursing theory, population health, and beyond. This accelerated program offers five specializations:

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

While a BSN (with at least a 3.0 GPA) is preferred for admission, non-BSN students can enroll by completing bridge courses in statistics, community health care, nursing management, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour (full-time); $645 per credit hour (part-time)
• Program length: Each online MSN specialization is offered as an accelerated one-year track.
• Financial aid: Students enrolled in the MSN program can lower costs with scholarships and financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers a 36-credit online RN to MSN bridge option for RNs with an ADN looking to gain knowledge in evidence-based practice and professional nursing. Students seeking careers as educators can pursue the 39-credit RN to MSN with a nursing education concentration.

Admission to these programs requires an RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and completion of at least 72 transferable credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit hour
• Program length: Undisclosed
• Financial aid: ASU students may be eligible for federal and state aid, scholarships, and employer tuition benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Wilkes University

Wilkes University is home to a 100% online RN to BSN program teaching advanced clinical skills through coursework, clinical practice, and residencies. This program offers three concentrations:

• family nurse practitioner
• adult-gerontology primary care
• psychiatric/mental health

Admission requirements include an ADN with a 3.0 GPA and an RN license. Upon completion, students can sit for the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), family nurse practitioner (FNP), or adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) certification exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $751 per credit
• Program length: 36 months
• Financial aid: Wilkes University offers financial assistance for qualifying nursing students.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. University of Maryland

The online RN-to-MSN at the University of Maryland is an accelerated path to earning both a BSN and MSN. In this 69- to 71-credit program, students can choose from three specializations:

• community/public health nursing
• nursing leadership and management
• nursing informatics

The curriculum is competency-based, enabling students to navigate coursework at their own pace. To enroll, applicants need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and an undergraduate science GPA of at least 2.75.

• Estimated tuition cost: $926 per credit hour (in-state); $1,643 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: As little as two years
• Financial aid: Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships help students save.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each meets the following criteria for delivering a high-quality learning experience.

• Accreditation: All schools have earned accreditation from a nationally recognized organization, such as the MSCHE and the NWCCU.
• Affordability: We selected schools that offer low-cost tuition or financial aid to make learning affordable.
• Program length: The RN to BSN programs in this list have shorter timeframes, enabling nursing students to further their nursing careers sooner.
• Program reputation: Each institution provides quality on-campus and online programs.

Career Paths With an RN to MSN

Earning an MSN opens doors to various career paths, including advanced nursing practice and educator roles. Here are common jobs for MSN graduates with current salaries and job growth projections (through 2033) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• nurse anesthetist ($223,210 median annual salary; 10% job growth)
• nurse practitioner ($129,210 median annual salary; 46% job growth)
• nurse midwife ($128,790 median annual salary; 7% job growth)
• clinical nurse educator ($79,940 median annual salary; 18% job growth)

FAQs About Cheap RN to MSN Programs Online

Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Explore the following FAQs to learn more about how cheap online RN to MSN programs can help.

Is an Online RN to MSN Worth It?

Yes, an online RN to MSN is worth your time and effort. These programs enable RNs with an ADN to earn a BSN and an MSN in a fraction of the traditional time. With most or all coursework available online (except clinical experiences), working nurses can secure their degrees from anywhere with internet access.

Are Online RN to MSN Programs Respected?

Yes, online RN to MSN degrees are respected. Many well-known nursing schools offer reputable, highly-ranked online programs. Employers know learners with these degrees are just as qualified as graduates of in-person programs, which is why many give both types of applicants equal consideration.

Where Can I Work After Completing an Online RN to MSN Program?

Once you've earned an online MSN from an accredited institution, you will be able to work in nursing leadership among other healthcare professionals in workplaces that include:

• physicians' offices
• hospitals
• patient care centers
• offices of other health practitioners
• educational services

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

Common core courses students take in an online master's program for RNs include the following:

• health policy and promotion
• advanced pathophysiology
• evidence-based practice
• advanced pharmacology
• advanced health assessment

Students without a BSN can expect to take bridge courses before transitioning into graduate-level coursework.

Discover More Online Nursing Programs

Take steps to further your nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools to discover ways they can help you achieve your academic and career goals.