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Many students have a tough time finding a master’s in nursing program that suits their schedule and budget. After hours of diving deep into research, we found the best cheapest online masters in nursing programs. From their annual tuition to the career paths you could explore – you can find everything in this article.
Cheapest Online Masters in Nursing
If you’re looking to advance your nursing career, pursuing an online master’s of science in nursing (MSN) may be the perfect step for you. Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, or stepping into leadership roles, MSN programs cater to various interests and career goals.
Top 7 Schools Offering Online Master’s in Nursing
If you’re a registered nurse looking to advance your career without breaking the bank, consider these top schools offering affordable online MSN programs.
| College | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Fort Hays University | $4,978 |
| Wichita State University | $5,130 |
| Fitchburg State University | $5,235 |
| Georgia Southern State University | $5,086 |
| Missouri State University | $5,915 |
| Kennesaw State University | $6,345 |
| University of Central Missouri | $6,210 |
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers a cost-effective route to earning your MSN degree online. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program puts in place high-quality education that meets rigorous standards, preparing you for advanced roles in healthcare.
The graduate nursing programs at FHSU are crafted to accommodate working professionals. Whether you prefer focusing on nursing education or aiming for administrative roles, FHSU provides pathways tailored to your career goals.
Wichita State University
If you’re considering an online MSN degree, Wichita State University (WSU) stands out for its affordability and flexibility. You can tailor your education to your career aspirations by offering two concentrations in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership and Administration.
You can pursue the program full-time or part-time, allowing you to advance your degree alongside personal and professional commitments. Students should also note that some supervised clinical practice hours at an approved healthcare facility will be required to complete this degree.
Fitchburg State University
If you’re searching for an affordable online MSN program, you might want to consider the program offered by Fitchburg State University. As an aspiring advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you’ll find their curriculum is designed to equip you with advanced clinical skills and specialized knowledge.
You’ll engage with various core subjects and have the chance to hone in on a nursing specialty. This includes important courses like Advanced Health Assessment and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing. Although coursework is online, students must fulfill clinical hours at a healthcare facility near you.
Georgia Southern University
If you’re a registered nurse aiming to advance your career, Georgia Southern University stands out with its affordable online MSN programs. These programs can level up your expertise and open doors to advanced practice and leadership roles.
Courses span advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, leadership, and evidence-based practice, gearing you for specialized work in nurse education, administrative leadership, nurse practitioner roles, or nursing informatics.
Missouri State University
If you’re looking to expand your nursing expertise online at an affordable price, Missouri State University offers an accredited MSN that stands out for its value. Their MSN program shapes registered nurses into advanced practice nurses or roles in administration and education.
The curriculum includes advanced practice courses that foster sophisticated clinical skills and specialty nursing knowledge. You learn how to handle healthcare teams and drive positive change in healthcare settings. Another aspect of this course teaches you to navigate the latest research to enhance patient outcomes.
Kennesaw State University
If you’re a registered nurse considering an advanced degree in nursing, Kennesaw State University (KSU) offers an appealing online MSN that might fit your career aspirations, schedule, and budget. Catering to diverse educational backgrounds, KSU provides different pathways depending on your current level of education.
The courses at KSU are designed to deepen your knowledge in areas vital to nursing at an advanced level. You will engage with topics such as:
- Advanced health assessment to sharpen comprehensive patient evaluation skills
- Advanced pharmacology to understand complex pharmacotherapies
- Organizational leadership to prepare for administrative roles
University of Central Missouri
If you’re a registered nurse looking to advance your career, the University of Central Missouri offers affordable online MSN degree programs that might fit your educational goals and financial situation. With tuition rates that compete well below the national average, UCM makes advancing your nursing education attainable.
You can choose to focus on two primary tracks: Becoming a nurse educator or a family nurse practitioner. This flexibility allows you to tailor your education to match your career aspirations.
Career Path Options with a Masters in Nursing
Earning your master of science in nursing degree opens doors to advanced healthcare roles. Here are some potential job opportunities, their responsibilities, and potential earnings.
| Career Path | National Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Public Health Nurse | $74,671 |
| Nurse Manager | $116,922 |
| Nurse Consultant | $141,886 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | $123,347 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,490 |
Public Health Nurse
As a public health nurse with an MSN, you can extend your expertise into the community. In this role, your primary job is to promote wellness and health education within various community settings. You’ll collaborate with schools, senior centers, and community organizations to host public health events and informational sessions.
To excel in this field, you’ll need a blend of clinical nursing skills and expertise in community health, allowing you to transition seamlessly from patient care to educational outreach.
Nurse Manager
If you’re pursuing a cost-effective route to leadership in nursing, an online master’s in nursing with a focus on nurse management might be your best bet. As a nurse manager, you’ll be pivotal in bridging the gap between administrative leadership and the patient care team.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing nursing staff, coordinating care, and making sure patient services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Nurse Consultant
For those leaning towards a role that blends clinical expertise with advisory responsibilities, becoming a nurse consultant could be the dream job. With an advanced degree, like a cost-effective online master’s in nursing, you can pivot your career toward this consultation path.
Roles within the nursing consulting field can include legal nurse consultation, where you could advise law firms on medical cases, or perhaps a health policy consultant, influencing healthcare legislation. Your advanced degree opens doors to these positions and positions you as a valuable asset to employers looking for expertise to guide strategic decisions.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
If you’re interested in expanding your nursing career into a specialized role with a significant impact on patient care, you could consider becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). As an advanced practice registered nurse, you can provide direct patient care and shape the protocols and procedures within your chosen field.
The breadth of your responsibilities will position you as a leader in healthcare settings, allowing you to make substantial contributions to patient care and the nursing profession.
Nurse Practitioner
If you aim to advance your nursing career, you should consider seeking an affordable online nurse practitioner (NP) program. NPs serve as primary and specialty care providers, offering patients a blend of nursing and healthcare services. These programs often include rigorous coursework in addition to clinical practice requirements.
Some typical NP roles include:
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)
- Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School for Your Online Master’s in Nursing
When you’re looking to advance your nursing career with an online MSN, certain factors play vital roles in your decision-making process. Here are key considerations to guide you:
Accreditation for Online Nursing Programs
When exploring online MSN programs, accreditation should be at the top of your checklist. Accredited programs meet rigorous standards for education quality and professional practice, making sure that employers will recognize your degree and qualify you for jobs or certification exams.
There are two major organizations responsible for accrediting nursing programs:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
You can check the nursing school’s website or contact the admissions office to verify accreditation. Visit the ACEN or CCNE websites to confirm the program’s accreditation status.
Tuition Cost
When you start doing your MSN program research, you’ll find that tuition can vary widely based on institution type, location, and whether you qualify for in-state tuition rates. To make an informed decision, here’s what you need to know about the costs involved:
- In-state vs. out-of-state: If you’re considering a public university and qualify for in-state tuition, your expenses could be significantly lower than out-of-state rates.
- Per credit costs: Some schools charge tuition based on the number of credit hours. In-state rates may range from $200 to $300 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition could be approximately $400 or more.
Remember that these figures are subject to change and may not include additional fees, such as for resources or technology, which can add to your total cost of attendance. It’s best to check directly with the program and school of your interest for the most up-to-date and accurate tuition information.
Curriculum and Specialization
Typically, your coursework will cover core nursing concepts before going into specialized areas tailored to your career goals. Core courses include:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Nursing Theories
- Research Methodologies
- Health Policy and Advocacy
- Leadership in Nursing
In addition to core subjects, most programs offer various areas of specialization. You’ll be able to focus on a niche that fits your interests and career trajectory. Every program has its unique approach, so remember to verify whether the coursework meets the requirements for professional certification in your desired specialty.
Admission Requirements
When you’re considering an online MSN program, you should be aware of the standard prerequisites. These programs usually seek applicants who have:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution
- A valid Registered Nurse (RN) license
- A minimum undergraduate GPA, often around 3.0
Prospective students may need to submit:
- Official transcripts
- A resume or CV detailing their nursing experience
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
- Completed application form
Additionally, some programs might require specific coursework or clinical experience. Remember to check specific requirements for the program you’re interested in, as they can vary.
Flexibility
When pursuing an online MSN, flexibility is a key advantage, especially for those with busy schedules. Compared to traditional on-campus programs, an online MSN allows you to study at your own pace and time, whether early in the morning or late at night. This means you can effectively balance your work, family commitments, and education.
- Asynchronous learning: Many online MSN programs offer asynchronous courses, allowing you to access lectures and course materials anytime.
- Accelerated options: Some institutions have fast-tracked pathways for quicker degree completion.
Related Questions
How Fast Can I Get My MSN?
The speed at which you can complete your online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) varies by program. Some institutions offer accelerated MSN programs that allow you to finish in as little as 13 months. However, typically, it could take two years if you are studying full-time.
Can You Skip BSN and Go to MSN?
Yes, specific programs offer Direct Entry MSN options for individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. This pathway, while intensive, allows you to bypass the bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and directly pursue your MSN. Not many people explore this pathway, so if you want to, you will need to understand the complete list of requirements.
How Many Years Is a PhD in Nursing?
Completing a PhD in Nursing typically takes between four to six years. This period can be longer if you’re studying part-time. The duration depends on your research focus and whether you’ve completed a master’s degree.
Conclusion
An online master’s in nursing is a cost-effective way to advance your nursing career without putting your professional life on hold or racking up student debt. With so many available options, it is possible for you to find a program that fits your budget, interest, and lifestyle while preparing you to achieve your professional goals in the field of nursing.
