Discover the Most Affordable RN to MSN Bridge Programs Online
Low-cost, high-quality online RN to MSN bridge degree programs can help you take the next step in your nursing career. This guide profiles three schools to help you determine what to consider in a program and provides a ranking of the best online programs. It also gives detailed suggestions and resources for ways to reduce or eliminate tuition costs plus other ways to save while in an RN to MSN bridge program.
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Profiles of Affordable Online RN to MSN Programs
Earning an online RN to MSN degree opens doors to higher-level positions, increases earning potential, and provides the opportunity to specialize. Going back to college to get a bachelor’s and master’s degree might seem financially out of reach. But, many accredited, affordable online RN to MSN bridge programs can help minimize costs and allow you to keep working. In some cases, affordable actually means free if you’re flexible with where you’re willing to work after you finish your program. Many financial aid options are available, including some only for nursing students, to help reduce what you’ll actually pay for your education.
Regarding online learning specifically, affordable means savings in travel and sometimes in the extra fees that traditional on-campus students must pay. Online RN to MSN programs are affordable because they let you earn two degrees with one program. Most programs allow you to apply some credits to both degrees, and some schools allow for part of your MSN credits to be earned at a BSN rate. Some schools charge online students the same amount as in-state students and allow them to complete clinicals near where they live and work.
Lamar University
Lamar University’s Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Online program is designed for nurses with an active RN license. The flexible program prepares RNs for upper-management and leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. It allows RNs to earn both a BSN and an MSN more quickly, as credits for some courses can be used for both degrees. There are two tracks within this bridge program – an MSN in Administration and an MSN in Education.
Tuition and Fees: The program, which can be completed in as few as 36 months, costs $27,320. This includes $346 per credit hour for 58 credits of tuition plus university fees. Those fees include an application fee, a graduate office fee, student liability insurance for graduate teaching assistants and students enrolled in practicum courses, and a distance learning fee.
Financial Aid: All students must complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for financial aid. Types of available aid include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, opportunities for veterans, student loans, and tuition assistance for Lamar University employees. Lamar offers many scholarships but also encourages obtaining outside/external scholarships. The school also offers an installment payment plan and an emergency deferment plan.
Additional Costs: Additional program costs include books and supplies ($1,000 to $1,500 per year) and lab fees (amounts vary) for some courses. There might also be a clinical placement fee, though it varies and depends on location and site requirements. Lamar University also charges a graduation fee of $100 to $150.
Stevenson University
The RN to MSN online nursing degree at Stevenson University offers three paths: Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership/Management, and Population-Based Care Coordination. The program is designed for a working RN’s busy schedule with fully online options, eight-week sessions, and six start dates. Courses are built around the RN’s schedule and include a 16-week course in outpatient care. This program is one of the shortest RN to MSN bridge programs in Maryland and includes a BSN degree.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition for the BSN portion of this bridge program is $495 per credit. The MSN portion costs $635 per credit, except for the first MSN course, which is charged at the undergraduate rate. Stevenson simplified costs for online education by eliminating all mandatory fees and simply charging tuition per credit.
Financial Aid: Stevenson University offers a tuition assistance program for RN to MSN students with awards up to $30,000. This program includes a guaranteed nursing job and earning a bachelor’s degree at little to no cost for the student. Typical types of financial aid such as grants, loans, scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available.
Additional Costs: Indirect costs – which are not included in the tuition but must also be considered – include costs for living and travel expenses, books and supplies, and loan fees. There are also costs for books and supplies.
Wheeling University
Wheeling University’s RN to BSN/MSN program is designed for motivated adult students who are working as an RN. The online-based distance format for classroom learning, plus clinical rotations that can be completed in a student’s community, allow for the flexibility that busy RNs need. The RN to MSN track allows a student to first earn a BSN and get a head start on an MSN (up to four graduate courses equaling 12 credits) before heading fully into MSN coursework.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition for the BSN portion is $400 per credit and tuition for the MSN portion is $500 per credit. Fees include those for technology ($130 per semester), audits ($212 per course), an ID card ($35), graduation ($265 per occurrence), and a new student fee ($130). MSN students are also charged a Typhon (tracking system) fee ($85) and a remote proctor fee ($15 per exam).
Financial Aid: Every student must complete the FAFSA. Students can access most of the university’s scholarship and grant programs during the application process. Some programs, including any external scholarships or grants, require separate applications. Scholarship and grant categories include institutional, competitive, endowed, federal and state, and private. Wheeling University also offers loans and payment plans.
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Comparing the Cost of Online and Campus RN to MSN Programs
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 likely spend less on day-to-day necessities and indulgences like coffee and eating out. Many online programs still have some in-person requirements, so consider what that might entail in terms of costs. Regardless of whether your courses are online or in-person, tuition rates for nursing programs at private institutions are typically higher than those at public institutions. Also, in-state learners who attend public institutions pay less than out-of-state students at public institutions. Some programs offer online learners the same tuition rates as in-state students, regardless of residency. In most cases, out-of-state students pay more than in-state students. However, for exclusively online learners, out-of-state students often don’t pay much more per credit than in-state students. Some schools give preference to traditional students, but many do not differentiate between online and in-person learners when determining financial aid.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online RN to MSN Degree
Making your online RN to MSN degree more affordable often comes down to pooling your resources, exhausting all potential avenues for financial aid, and exercising financial wisdom. Keeping the cost-saving strategies below in mind can help you lower the cost of your online RN to MSN degree.
Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More
Many local, regional, and national scholarships are reserved specifically for nursing students. Some organizations offer scholarships that are specifically designed for MSN degree-seekers. You can find scholarships for BIPOC students or learners who live in a particular county or state. Fee waivers include those offered by the NursingCAS service, but individual schools might also offer them if you submit your application early. You should also consider professional organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Association of Colleges and Nursing (AACN) for scholarships and other opportunities.
Maintain Part-Time Employment
Many RN to MSN programs offer part-time and flexible options for professional RNs who want to work while they’re in school. However, these options might not be available for all RN to MSN programs, so check out scheduling details before you apply. Working part-time allows you to pay for some living and travel expenses during your program and reduces the amount you need to borrow and pay back after you graduate.
Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement programs that cover a decent portion of the tuition for an RN to MSN program. Some facilities pay for nearly all of a student’s tuition in exchange for a guaranteed job at that facility. 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 an employee’s education. Talk to your current employer to see what they offer.
Utilize Discounts for Nursing Students
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. Many organizations thank nursing students and professionals for their critical roles in healthcare with discounts like those for hotel and travel insurance and discounts on certification courses and nursing supplies. Utilizing discounts for things you’ll buy anyway is a great way to save money while earning your MSN degree.
