Inside Today's Most Affordable Online RN to MSN Programs
Find low-cost, high-quality online RN to MSN programs that can help you take the next step in your nursing career and learn about other ways to keep college costs down.
Earning an online RN to MSN degree opens doors to higher-level positions, increases earning potential, and provides the opportunity to specialize. And while going back to college to get your bachelor’s and master’s may seem financially out-of-reach, there are many accredited, affordable online RN to MSN programs that can help minimize costs and allow you to keep working.
This guide will point you toward quality, budget-friendly online RN to MSN programs that can help you achieve your career goals without overpaying. You’ll also find tips on how to limit student debt and obtain financial aid and discounts to keep more cash in your pocket as you make your way toward graduation.
Most Affordable Online RN to MSN Programs for 2024
Paying for college can seem daunting, and affordability is often a top consideration. This rankings list can help you locate the most affordable online RN to MSN programs. Using the latest information from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), we chose schools based on several key educational quality and cost metrics. For more information on our ranking methodology, click the “About the ranking” button below.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA | Private not-for-profit | $ | 2 | The RN to BSN to MSN Accelerated Program at Liberty University allows registered nurses to earn both their bachelor's and master's degree in one program, either full-time or part-time. The program allows students to transfer up to 75 hours of previous college credit, making it one of the shortest RN to MSN online programs available. Students may choose from a number of specializations, including Nurse Administrator, Nursing Educator, Nursing Informatics, and more. While coursework is completed online, students may choose to enroll in two optional intensive, in-person courses during the fall and spring semesters. Program Highlights: RN to BSN to MSN -- Accelerated Program
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %97% |
|||
| 2 | University of Southern MainePortland, ME | Public | $ | 2 | The RN to MS in Nursing online program at University of Southern Maine prepares working RNs to earn skills and training in both didactic and clinical courses. The program features undergraduate coursework by the University of Maine at Fort Kent and graduate coursework from USM. The program is conducted online and offers multiple start dates to accommodate the professional and personal schedules of working nurses. Program Highlights: Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing -- Nursing Education Online
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %73% |
|||
| 3 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Texas A&M International offers an RN to MSN degree for nurses who have a Texas license, but didn't previously get their BSN. No work experience as a nurse is required to apply. Once enrolled, students take courses in nursing administration. Because most students work full-time while getting this master's degree, courses are offered at flexible times and all courses are offered virtually. However, there is an in-person clinical experience students must complete to graduate. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %82% |
|||
| 4 | Lamar UniversityBeaumont, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
Online Student %94% |
||||
| 5 | Stevenson UniversityStevenson, MD | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %97% |
||||
| 6 | Wheeling UniversityWheeling, WV | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
Online Student %93% |
||||
| 7 | Wilson CollegeChambersburg, PA | Private not-for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %88% |
||||
| 8 | West Coast University-DallasDallas, TX | Private for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 9 | Herzing University-BrookfieldBrookfield, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 10 | Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham, AL | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 11 | Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 12 | University of South AlabamaMobile, AL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %72% |
||||
| 13 | Queens University of CharlotteCharlotte, NC | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio9/1 |
Online Student %91% |
||||
| 14 | West Coast University-Orange CountyAnaheim, CA | Private for-profit | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 15 | Olivet Nazarene UniversityBourbonnais, IL | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %99% |
||||
| 16 | University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore, MD | Public | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
Online Student %43% |
||||
| 17 | Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %52% |
||||
| 18 | University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh, WI | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %74% |
What Makes an Online RN to MSN Program Affordable?
Many factors affect the overall cost of your RN to MSN program. Understanding what makes an RN to MSN program affordable can help keep your tuition and college expenses in check.
How much financial aid you can secure for your online RN to MSN program
Financial aid, especially grants and scholarships, can go a long way in offsetting the cost of your RN to MSN program. Apply for any available awards through your graduate school but also at the local, regional, and national levels. Apply for as many scholarships for which you qualify. Remember that you can apply for scholarships and grants even after you enter a program, and many sources offer awards for both new and continuing nursing students.
Whether you live in-state or-out-of-state
Some programs offer online learners the same tuition rates as in-state students no matter where they live. In most cases, however, out-of-state students pay more than in-state students. For example, the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s tuition rates for out-of-state learners are more than double than those for Tennessee residents. For exclusively online learners, however, out-of-state students pay only about $55 more per credit than in-state online students.
How much it costs to apply
RN to MSN programs usually require an application fee of $30 to $75. If you apply to several programs, those fees can add up to quite a bit. Save some money by narrowing your search and applying to fewer schools overall. Pick those nursing programs where you’re a strong competitor and those with low or no application fees.
If the RN to MSN program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working
Many RN to MSN programs offer part-time and flexible options for professional RNs who want to work while they’re in school. These options may not be available for all RN to MSN programs, however, so check out those scheduling details before applying.
How much of the RN to MSN program coursework is offered online
In general, you’ll probably spend less on commuting costs and incidentals if you earn your RN to MSN mostly or entirely online. You’ll also spend less on day-to-day necessities and indulgences like coffee or eating at cafes and restaurants. Keep an eye out for programs that have some in-person requirements and what that might entail in terms of costs.
If the nursing grad school is private or public
Tuition rates for nursing programs at private institutions are typically higher than at public colleges and universities. During the 2018-2019 school year, the average tuition at private schools for full-time learners was about $35,700. In-state learners attending public institutions paid an average of $9,700, while out-of-state students at public institutions paid about $21,600.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online RN to MSN Degree
Make your online RN to MSN degree more affordable often comes down to pooling your resources and exhausting all potential avenues for financial aid. Keep these cost-saving strategies in mind to help you lower the cost of your online RN to MSN degree.
- Search for scholarships and grants designed specifically for nursing students and your specific demographic.
There are many local, regional, and national scholarships reserved specifically for nursing students. Some organizations even have scholarships for MSN degree-seekers specifically. You can also find scholarships for BIPOC students or learners who live in a particular county or state. Take time to locate and research all of your options, including those detailed in EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide.
- Ask about RN to MSN tuition reimbursement programs
Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities have tuition reimbursement programs that cover a solid amount of an RN to MSN program’s tuition. It’s in their best interest to retain top talent and up-level current nurses to higher level positions, even if it means footing the bill for their employee’s education. Great examples include Vanderbilt Hospital which covers up to $8k per year in tuition costs and Los Angeles County Hospital (up to $3K per year). Talk to your current employer to see what they offer.
- Look for nursing student discounts
Discounts and perks abound for nursing students at all stages of education. Take advantage of these discounts and other benefits to help make your RN to MSN program more affordable. From hotel and travel insurance discounts to discounts on certification courses and nursing supplies, many organizations thank nursing students and professionals for their critical roles in healthcare with excellent discounts.
