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Compare Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can be a smart move for nurses looking to advance their careers. However, tuition and other associated fees can be a significant barrier for many prospective students. Fortunately, several affordable online MSN programs offer top-notch education and can lead to lucrative, rewarding career paths. In this article, we’ll delve into the most affordable online MSN programs, highlighting the importance of accreditation and the structure of these programs. We’ll also take a closer look at some of the potential career paths available to MSN graduates.

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Most 49 Affordable Online MSN Programs

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#1
Boca Raton, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

FAU College of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 99.07
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $2,522

Out-of-state: $14,374

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,467

Out-of-state: $5,467

Test scores

SAT: 1060-1220

ACT: 21-26

Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
56%
Students enrolled
31,000
Student to faculty ratio
22:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $371

Non-Resident: $1,026

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 561-297-2757

#2
Boone, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Appalachian State University

Intelligent Score: 98.38
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,242

Out-of-state: $19,049

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,839

Out-of-state: $4,839

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1240

ACT: 22-27

Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
5%
Graduation Rate
73%
Students enrolled
20,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $304

Non-Resident: $1,138

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

39

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 828-262-2130

#3
Carrollton, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of West Georgia

Intelligent Score: 98.22
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,371

Out-of-state: $15,426

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,338

Out-of-state: $4,338

Test scores

SAT: 900-1090

ACT: 17-22

Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
14%
Graduation Rate
44%
Students enrolled
13,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$241

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

35-38

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 678-839-4780

#4
Las Cruces, NM | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

NM State University

Intelligent Score: 98.06
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,041

Out-of-state: $22,507

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,981

Out-of-state: $4,981

Test scores

SAT: 950-1150

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
46%
Graduation Rate
51%
Students enrolled
14,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$30k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$444

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

32

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 575-646-7311

#5
Canyon, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

West Texas A&M University

Intelligent Score: 97.85
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,748

Out-of-state: $7,195

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,968

Out-of-state: $4,968

Test scores

SAT: 920-1130

ACT: 18-23

Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
58%
On-campus students
22%
Graduation Rate
44%
Students enrolled
10,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $905

Non-Resident: $1,731

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

39- 40

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 806-651-2630

#6
Hays, KS | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Fort Hays State University

Intelligent Score: 97.64
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,140

Out-of-state: $14,580

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,726

Out-of-state: $3,726

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
43%
Graduation Rate
46%
Students enrolled
15,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$298

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 785-628-5666

#7
College Station, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Texas A & M International University

Intelligent Score: 97.56
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,395

Out-of-state: $36,849

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,775

Out-of-state: $6,775

Test scores

SAT: 1160-1380

ACT: 26-32

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
67%
Graduation Rate
83%
Students enrolled
70,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$54k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $367

Out-of-State: $1,030

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

31

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 956-326-3020

#8
Statesboro, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Georgia Southern University

Intelligent Score: 96.97
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,371

Out-of-state: $15,425

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,986

Out-of-state: $4,986

Test scores

SAT: 993-1170

ACT: 18-24

Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
22%
Graduation Rate
54%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
22:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$277

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 912-478-5391

#9
Orlando, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Central Florida

Intelligent Score: 95
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,478

Out-of-state: $19,810

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,916

Out-of-state: $6,916

Test scores

SAT: 1160-1340

ACT: 25-30

Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
45%
On-campus students
91%
Graduation Rate
74%
Students enrolled
72,000
Student to faculty ratio
31:01:00
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $327

Out-of-State: $1,151

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

31-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 844-376-9160

#10
Fayetteville, AR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Arkansas Grantham

Intelligent Score: 93.99
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,568

Out-of-state: $24,056

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,752

Out-of-state: $7,752

Test scores

SAT: 1090-1280

ACT: 23-29

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
68%
Students enrolled
28,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$41k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$350

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-955-2527

#11
Fayetteville, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Fayetteville State University

Intelligent Score: 92.85
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $2,982

Out-of-state: $14,590

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,438

Out-of-state: $3,438

Test scores

SAT: 840-1000

ACT: 16-20

Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
79%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
36%
Students enrolled
7,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$28k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $320

Non-Resident: $935

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 910-672-1111

#12
Albany, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Albany State University

Intelligent Score: 91.5
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,064

Out-of-state: $14,786

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,438

Out-of-state: $3,438

Test scores

SAT: 740-900

ACT: 15-18

Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
73%
On-campus students
36%
Graduation Rate
26%
Students enrolled
7,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$27k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$300

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 229-500-2000

#14
Americus, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Georgia Southwestern State University

Intelligent Score: 90.47
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,064

Out-of-state: $14,786

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,492

Out-of-state: $3,492

Test scores

SAT: 940-1110

ACT: 19-22

Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
73%
On-campus students
26%
Graduation Rate
36%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$385

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-871-4594

#15
College Station, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Texas A & M University at Corpus Christi

Intelligent Score: 90.37
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,395

Out-of-state: $36,849

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,775

Out-of-state: $6,775

Test scores

SAT: 1160-1380

ACT: 26-32

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
67%
Graduation Rate
83%
Students enrolled
70,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$54k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $407

Out-of-State: $887

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

37-49

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 361-825-2624

#16
Conway, AR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Central Arkansas

Intelligent Score: 90.15
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,810

Out-of-state: $13,620

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,018

Out-of-state: $5,018

Test scores

SAT: 950-1150

ACT: 20-27

Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
94%
On-campus students
23%
Graduation Rate
46%
Students enrolled
10,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$325

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-243-8245

#17
Dahlonega, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of North Georgia

Intelligent Score: 89.06
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $3,969

Out-of-state: $14,123

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,140

Out-of-state: $4,140

Test scores

SAT: 990-1180

ACT: 19-25

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
81%
On-campus students
29%
Graduation Rate
39%
Students enrolled
20,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$303

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

35

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 706-864-1543

#18
Beaumont, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Lamar University

Intelligent Score: 88.38
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,129

Out-of-state: $15,945

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,397

Out-of-state: $6,397

Test scores

SAT: 943-1140

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
83%
On-campus students
21%
Graduation Rate
37%
Students enrolled
17,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$380

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

37- 61

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 409-880-8888

#19
Bozeman, MT | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

MSU Texas

Intelligent Score: 88.25
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,654

Out-of-state: $25,087

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,089

Out-of-state: $5,089

Test scores

SAT: 1090-1320

ACT: 21-28

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
81%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
16,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$38k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$450

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 940-397-4334

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How To Find a Respectable Online MSN Program

Enrolling in an online degree program can be an excellent way to advance your education and career prospects. However, it’s crucial to be careful when choosing a program, especially when looking for the most affordable options. Some online schools operate as “degree mills,” which charge fees without providing a high-quality education or having the necessary accreditation to award legitimate degrees.

These degree mills provide diplomas that hold little to no value in the job market due to their lack of recognition and credibility. Students who fall victim to these scams often find that their hard work and investment result in nothing more than a piece of paper not recognized by employers or other educational institutions.

Researching any online program thoroughly before enrolling is vital to avoid these fraudulent institutions. Be sure to read reviews and testimonials from current and former students and review the faculty and course curriculum to ensure they are legitimate and reputable. Additionally, look for accreditation from recognized bodies, such as the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which ensures that the institution meets specific standards of academic quality. While affordability is essential, it should never come at the cost of quality and credibility.

Accreditation

Employers value degrees from accredited institutions, so it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen school has been accredited by a CHEA-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), among others. Accreditation ensures that the institution meets specific academic standards and that employers and other educational institutions will respect the degree you earn. By choosing an accredited school, you can be confident that you’re investing in a quality education that will prepare you for your future career.

In addition to CHEA-recognized regional accreditation, it’s ideal if the program you attend is also approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). ACEN is a specialized accrediting body that guarantees nursing programs meet defined standards of excellence; therefore, earning a degree from an ACEN-approved program is widely recognized and valued by employers in the nursing profession.

An ACEN-approved nursing program has been rigorously evaluated and determined to provide a first-rate education that meets the requirements for professional practice. It also ensures that graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RNs) or Practical Nurses (PNs), which is necessary for obtaining a nursing license to practice.

Can I Complete an MSN Program Entirely Online?

While it is possible to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program online, most programs are available in a hybrid format. More often, there is an in-person clinical component in addition to online coursework.

The in-person clinical component is designed to give students hands-on experience working with patients in a healthcare setting. This experience is critical to developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a nurse in advanced practice roles. While the coursework for an MSN can be completed online, the clinical component requires students to work with patients in person, which can only be done partially online.

With that being said, many MSN programs are designed to be flexible and accommodate the needs of working professionals. For example, online coursework can often be completed part-time, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their degree. Some MSN programs also offer flexible scheduling options for the clinical component, allowing students to complete their clinical hours on evenings or weekends.

What You Can Do with a Master of Science in Nursing

Obtaining a Master of Science Nursing (MSN) degree can open opportunities for healthcare professionals looking to advance their nursing careers. With an MSN, nurses can specialize in anesthesia, midwifery, or primary care and take on advanced roles that offer higher salaries, increased autonomy, and greater responsibility. Not only are these careers rewarding, but they also have a 40% projected job growth in the next decade.

Nurse anesthetist

Median annual salary (May 2021): $195,610

A nurse anesthetist specializes in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical procedures or other medical treatments. They often work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and dentists to ensure patients are comfortable and safe throughout their procedures.Their typical job duties include assessing patients’ medical histories to determine the appropriate type and dosage of anesthesia to administer, administering anesthesia through injection, inhalation, or topical application, and monitoring patients’ vital signs throughout their procedures to ensure patient safety. Post-procedure, nurse anesthetists are responsible for managing patients’ pain levels and adjusting anesthesia as needed.

Nurse anesthetists usually work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities where surgical procedures are performed. In addition, they may work in operating rooms, emergency departments, and intensive care units.

While a career as a nurse anesthetist is often rewarding, their work environment can be fast-paced and demanding as they are responsible for ensuring the patient’s safety through serious medical procedures. In addition, they may work long hours — including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be on-call to respond to emergencies outside of regular working hours.

Nurse midwife

Median annual salary (May 2021): $112,830

A nurse midwife specializes in providing healthcare services to women throughout their lifespans, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. Nurse midwives collaborate with obstetricians, gynecologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to women and their families.
Some job duties of a nurse midwife include conducting prenatal exams, managing labor and childbirth, and providing postpartum care to new mothers and newborns. They may also offer women gynecological exams and contraceptive counseling and diagnose and treat reproductive health conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections and menopausal systems.

Nurse midwives work in hospitals, birthing centers, and other medical facilities that provide obstetric and gynecological care. Like many other healthcare professions, their work environment can be hectic and rigorous. They often work long hours and can be on-call frequently to respond to emergencies outside traditional working hours. However, many individuals in this field derive immense job satisfaction from their crucial role in ensuring the health and welfare of women and their loved ones.

Nurse practitioner

Median annual salary (May 2021): $120,680

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education and clinical training to provide healthcare services to patients. NPs work independently or collaborate with physicians to deliver patient-centered care in various healthcare settings.
Nurse practitioners typically conduct patient exams, develop and implement treatment plans, and educate and counsel patients on disease prevention. In addition, they are licensed to prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and perform medical procedures such as suturing wounds or removing skin lesions.

The work environment of a nurse practitioner can work in a hospital or clinic setting — seeing patients on an outpatient basis — or in an inpatient setting, such as a hospital or long-term care facility, providing round-the-clock care to patients. In addition, some nurse practitioners work in specialty areas, such as mental health or women’s health, where they may work in private practice or community health centers.

Our Research

This list features some of the country’s most affordable online MSN programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the most affordable online MSN programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

Read More about Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Degrees


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