MSN Degrees Online - Review the Most Affordable Programs

Profiles of Affordable Online MSN Degrees

Online MSN programs are considerably cheaper than their campus-based versions. Although the tuition can be the same, online programs remove much of the expense of traditional, campus-based education. Expenses like transportation, campus housing, and meal plans that can add up to a hefty sum over the course of your degree program. Online programs also provide unmatched convenience as students can work part-time while earning their degrees, which can make costs more manageable.

Most online programs also offer financial aid services, scholarships for MSN students, and employer reimbursement for tuition. Some universities even waive online student fees, making education even less expensive. When all these factors are combined, online MSN programs are an affordable and cost-effective means for nurses to further their careers without accumulating excessive debt. Continue below to see three examples of popular school programs that offer financial aid.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Arizona State University
PROGRAM: Nursing (Nursing Education), RN to MS

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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Arizona State University offers 300+ top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs online. As an online student, you'll have access to the same robust curriculum designed and taught by the ASU's award-winning and globally acclaimed faculty. Always pushing the boundaries of education, ASU is repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation in the U.S. for making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students and technology. That's a degree better.

Grand Canyon University
PROGRAM: M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety

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Grand Canyon University's flexible online degree programs provide the skills and credentials you need to advance your career on your time. GCU offers affordable tuition as well as special rates and scholarship opportunities for military members and their families. Over 200 accredited programs to choose from, plus specialized technical and career support for online students. Find your GCU online program today.

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Costs of Online vs. Campus MSN Programs: A Comparison

For several reasons, online MSN degrees are less expensive than campus-based programs. Online students do not have the expenses of commuting, parking, and on-campus living, which can be high for students opting for traditional university attendance. With that being said, online programs will occasionally charge technology fees or other online-specific fees that must be factored into the total cost calculation.

On-campus programs are more expensive in terms of tuition and may also charge additional fees for lab courses or clinical practice. Although on-campus students enjoy face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, they might have to spend more on living costs, including rent, utilities, and meals. It is important to balance each type of program with its pros and cons and consider the overall cost effect before making the final decision.

How to Lower the Cost of Your Online MSN Degree

Pursuing your MSN degree does not need to break the bank. There are numerous ways to reduce expenses and make your education more affordable, allowing you to pursue your career ambitions without accumulating crippling debt. Find out some of the top suggestions here:

Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More

• Check with your university’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships and grants.
• Use online scholarship databases (Fastweb, Scholarships.com) to find external scholarships.
• Look for scholarships from professional nursing organizations (e.g., American Nurses Association).
• Inquire about application fee waivers and technology fee waivers for online students.
• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based federal and state aid.

Maintain Part-Time Employment

• Search for part-time jobs on job boards or through your university’s career services office.
• Look for positions that offer flexible hours or tuition assistance.
• Consider working as a registered nurse in a hospital or clinic to gain experience.
• Explore online tutoring or teaching opportunities.
• Balance work and your studies to avoid burning out or overworking yourself.

Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement

• Contact your HR department or supervisor to inquire about tuition reimbursement programs.
• Ask about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and any restrictions on program types.
• Follow your employer’s guidelines carefully if they offer tuition assistance.
• Negotiate with your employer if they don’t offer tuition reimbursement for alternative support.

Utilize Free Certification Exam Prep Resources

• Search for free online study guides and practice exams (such as our test taking strategies guide or essential study skills guide for healthcare students).
• Check with your university or professional organizations for free or discounted exam prep courses.
• Join online study groups or forums to connect with other nursing students and share resources.

Ranking the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs

EduMed’s online MSN programs are ranked according to tuition costs, financial aid sources, and program quality. The rankings enable potential students like you to find affordable but high-quality programs that suit their professional goals and needs, thus making it easier to select a program. Refer to our methodology to get a better understanding of the criteria we used to determine your best options. See which schools made it onto our list below.