Find your perfect college degree
A Master’s in Nursing is a career choice with so many options! Regardless of a variety of work settings, nursing instructors or nursing educators may pursue advanced studies in the field of nursing study to strengthen their knowledge and increase their potential.
They work in universities, nursing schools, hospitals, private clinics, healthcare facilities, and other healthcare settings. While their main objective is to educate others in the field of nursing, they can also perform research, design program curricula, and assess healthcare practices and guidelines.
Most nursing education roles require a master’s degree. The good news is that many schools deliver nurse educator specializations within a broad Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
Information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an estimated employment growth of 28% can be expected until 2031 in the nursing sector. This rapid growth in the employment rate indicates that well-trained and well-qualified nursing professionals are essential to serve this field of study.
Veteran nurse educators will be tapped to help train and prepare nurses for different positions in this rapidly expanding field.
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Methodology
This list highlights The 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Programs. If you are interested in pursuing nursing education beyond the basic practices and roles but are pressed for time and keeping a tight schedule, find a top-rated web-based online Master’s in Nursing program!
Let us help you find inexpensive, top-quality programs that you can consider for your pursuit of a Master’s in Nursing degree! These online schools are the country’s most reputable institutions and stand out from their counterparts with Master’s in Nursing programs with these salient features:
- Classes are held 100% online or in a hybrid format to accommodate working professionals (RNs) who seek to achieve higher academic goals and drive career advancement,
- Top-rated Learning Management Systems are utilized to promote quality instruction and communication,
- A huge variety of scholarships, grants, federal aid, and other financing options for qualified students to significantly reduce the costs associated with a Nursing graduate program,
- Online coursework focuses beyond the typical nursing roles and instead highlights the theories, applications, processes, and strategies in the Nursing industry,
- Online courses enable graduate students to emerge as qualified professionals who are well-versed in the regulations and other developments in the healthcare sector, adept with research-intensive work, and prepared for teaching and mentorship careers in the academe and other settings,
- Full accreditation from regional or national accrediting bodies, as well as recognition from Nursing organizations and associations,
- Positive graduate student feedback, highlighting quality education at affordable rates.
For more information, please see our Methodology page.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Graduate Programs
University of West Georgia
Online Master’s in Nursing
Carrolton, Georgia
Tuition Fee: Between $9,244 and $14,870
The University of West Georgia has an affordable online Master of Science in Nursing program that requires 35 to 38 credit hours for completion.
Depending on the students’ pace and timeframe of learning, the program can be completed in 24 months or five semesters. Prospective graduates can choose from positions in either academia or health systems leadership.
The coursework delivery is entirely through distance learning. A sample of the core required courses includes Epidemiology for Nursing Education and Practice; Introduction to Health Systems Leadership; Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice; Leadership for Quality, Safety, and Health Policy; and Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.
Types of Aid: Federal Work-Study Programs, HOPE/Zell Miller, Pell Grant, Scholarships, Federal Student Loans, Private Student Loans, Fellowships, Scholarships, Vocational Rehabilitation Programs, Military Scholarships, and Veterans Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Online Graduate Application Form
- $40 Application Fee
- BSN Degree from an accredited school
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for all Nursing courses
- Resume
- Completion of Basic Undergraduate Statistics Course
- Current Registered Nurse Licensure
- Official Transcripts of Record
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
UWG is recognized as one of the most affordable universities in Georgia. Regardless of the students’ status of residency, out-of-state non-resident students don’t pay non-resident tuition for online courses.
UWG offers a variety of financial assistance for graduate students, including student employment and scholarships.
Learn about the University of West Georgia’s Master of Science in Nursing Program.
Indiana Wesleyan University
MS in Nursing Distance Learning Degree Program
Marion, Indiana
Tuition Fee: $11,214
The School of Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University offers an inexpensive Master of Science in Nursing program that can be completed 100% online. The courses are completed in synchronous format or one at a time until prospective graduates earn this 41-credit hour nursing graduate program.
Advanced Pathophysiology, Innovative Teaching Strategies, Ethics and Health Policy, Evidence-Based Communication, and Utilization of Research for Evidence-Based Practices are some of the core foundational courses taught in this program.
A nursing education capstone culminates in the program. It requires a minimum of 175 hours in which nursing graduate students apply what they’ve learned in their coursework. They are trained and prepared to serve in academia and healthcare systems, as well as assume academic leadership positions in hospitals, societies, and other sectors.
Types of Aid: Military/Veterans Benefits, Loans, Scholarship Programs, Grants, Tuition Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement/Employer Assistance, and Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate Degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Proof of All Nursing Licenses (Current and Inactive)
- Three Letters of Professional Reference
- Official Transcript of Records
- Criminal History Background Check
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Indiana Wesleyan University helps graduate students to lessen the costs of their graduate education. Through the accomplishment of their FAFSA requirements, they can benefit from IndWes’ numerous financial assistance exclusively for graduate students.
Learn more about Indiana Wesleyan University’s Master of Science in Nursing Program.
Indiana State University
100% Online Master’s in Nursing Program: Nursing Education
Terre Haute, Indiana
Tuition Fee: $462 Per Credit Hour (In-State) | $601 Per Credit Hour (Out-Of-State)
Indiana State University’s 100% online and inexpensive Master of Science in Nursing program offers a concentration in Nursing Education.
This program, designed for prospective graduate students interested in pursuing a career educating nurse practitioners, requires anywhere between 37 and 40 credit hours, depending on the selected culminating experience.
Prospective graduates can complete the program in 2.5 to 3 years with a part-time commitment. They are required to finish the program within three to five years. Nursing Theory Development; Health Care Perspectives; Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing; Nursing Research; and Advanced Physical Assessment.
Types of Aid: State of Indiana – State Aid, Grants and Scholarships, Loans, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Military and Veterans Benefit Programs
Admission Requirements:
- CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN Program
- Extensive RN Experience (Preferred but not required)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, Unencumbered RN Licensure
- Current CPR Certification
- CV or Resume
- Three Academic/Professional Recommendations
- 500-word Personal Statement
- Meet All Criminal Background Check and Health Clearances
- Personal Interview
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Higher Learning Commission
Indiana State University’s Department of Advanced Practice Nursing has a limited number of scholarship opportunities.
Prospective graduates may be qualified for federal student loan options if they are enrolled in graduate programs and meet a set of criteria. Graduate students may also qualify for veterans’ benefits and payment plans.
Learn more about Indiana State University’s Master’s in Nursing Program.
Ferris State University
Online Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Education
Big Rapids, Michigan
Tuition Fee: $740 Per Credit Hour
Ferris State University has an affordable online Master of Science in Nursing program offered through its College of Health Professions. The nursing graduate program has three specializations, namely Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Education.
As an adult-oriented and user-friendly nursing graduate program, students can enroll in one to four courses at a time. Depending on their personal and professional obligations, they can either increase or decrease their course load. Some of the courses required include the following:
- Quality Improvement and Safety,
- Intro to Advanced Nursing Roles,
- Clinical Prevention & Population Health,
- Teach Methods in Nursing; and Health Care Systems,
- Policy & Advocacy.
Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, Scholarships, and Student Employment Opportunities
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Registered Nurse Licensure
- Two Years of Full-Time Clinical Nursing Work Experience (Recommended but not required)
- Writing Sample
- Three Professional Letters of Reference
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official Transcripts of Undergraduate and Graduate Coursework
- Accomplished MSN Application Form
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Ferris State University’s financial aid programs make it easier for graduate students to minimize the cost of their graduate program. Once they have completed their FAFSA requirements, Ferris State allows students to apply for financial aid programs offered by the university.
It is also one of the top value universities providing affordable nursing graduate tuition rates.
Learn more about Ferris State University’s Master of Science in Nursing Program.
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Nursing: MSN in Nurse Practitioner, MSN in Healthcare Informatics, and MSN in Nurse Educator
Mequon, Wisconsin
Tuition Fee: $870 Per Credit Hour
The affordable online Master of Nursing program offered by Concordia University-Wisconsin has three major accreditations, namely MSN in Nurse Practitioner, MSN in Healthcare Informatics, and MSN in Nurse Educator.
Students who are pursuing a nurse practitioner concentration will need a minimum of 41 credit hours for completion. Some of the core courses are the following:
- Healthcare Policy & Issues in Advanced Nursing,
- Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice,
- Genetics, Immunology, and Microbiology,
- Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Roles,
- and Advanced Pathophysiology.
Types of Aid: Outside Scholarships, Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan Programs, Graduate Assistantships, Veterans Educational Assistance, and Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Current Registered Nurse Licensure in the US.
- Current CPR Certification
- Completion of a 3-credit Undergraduate Statistics Course
- Current Resume
- Formal Essay
- Three Letters of Reference
- Official Transcripts of Record
- Certified Background Check with Castle Branch
- Registered Nurse License
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CUW offers uncommon scholarship programs exclusively for their adult and post-graduate students. It ranges from $150 to $500 per 3-credit course. Some of the new scholarships exclusively for graduate students include Veterans and Dependents Scholarship; Alumni Scholarship; Christian Community Scholarship; Academic Community Scholarship; Business Community Scholarship; Concordia Portland Scholarship; and Holy Family College Transfer Scholarship.
Benedictine University
Online MS in Nursing – Nurse Educator
Lisle, Illinois
Tuition Fee: $24,120 to $26,130
Benedictine University’s affordable online Master of Science in Nursing has a concentration in Nurse Educator. The program covers learning and teaching instructional design, evaluation strategies, curriculum development, and principles.
The university integrates the “3P’s of Nursing” in its rigorous MSN program, namely Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology, and Physical Health Assessment. Prospective graduates will complete foundational courses such as the following:
- Health Promotion and Interprofessional Collaboration,
- Health Care Policy and Advocacy,
- Ethical and Culturally Competent Health Care Professional,
- Quality Improvement and Safety in Health Care Systems,
- and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Research and Process Improvement.
Students will take another 24 credit hours for Nurse Educator Concentration courses or another 21 credit hours if they are pursuing the Nurse Executive Leader Concentration.
Types of Aid: Military Benefits, Corporate Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Loans, Scholarships, Grants, and Awards
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished Online Application Form
- $40 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Sealed Copies of Official Transcripts
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
- Letter of Intent
- Copy of Registered Nurse License
- Accepted Candidates must meet health and safety requirements such as health insurance, flu shot, CPR certification, and immunization and screening tests
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Through plenty of financial support programs from Benedictine University, graduate students have an opportunity to ease the financial burdens they accumulate while pursuing a graduate program. They can qualify for scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and corporate discounts if they have met the university’s set of criteria.
Learn more about Benedictine University’s Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Program.
Lamar University
Master’s in Nursing Education Online Degree
Beaumont, Texas
Tuition Fee: $397 Per Credit Hour
Lamar University offers an affordable online MSN in Nursing Education that can be completed in as few as 24 months. It fully trains and prepares prospective graduates with teaching methodologies and foundational knowledge to help them learn to provide quality healthcare in a rapidly changing healthcare system.
The MSN in Nursing Education requires 37 credit hours for completion. Some of the standard foundational courses include the following:
- Nursing Research,
- Advanced Nursing Issues & Health Policy,
- Theoretical Foundations,
- Measurement & Evaluation,
- and Advanced Health Assessment.
Types of Aid: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, TEACH Grant, and Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Online Application Form
- $25 Application Fee
- Official Transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current Registered Nurse Licensure
- CCNE- to ACEN-accredited BSN Degree
- Current unencumbered Registered Nurse License
- College Stats Course with a grade of C or higher
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lamar University offers graduate students numerous ways to fund their graduate studies. Through its financial support exclusively for graduate students, they can reduce the cost of their academic expenses. To qualify, they must first accomplish the university’s FAFSA requirements.
Learn more about Lamar University’s Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education Program,
University of Wyoming
MS in Nursing E-Learning Degree Program with Two Concentrations
Laramie, Wyoming
Tuition Fee: $6,980 (Resident) | $20,520 (Non-Resident)
The low-cost online Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Wyoming is suitable for RNs who want to become nurse leaders or nurse educators in any health-related setting or academia. Offered at the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, the university offers an MSN program with two concentrations from which to choose.
The program has a nurse educator and a nurse leader concentration, both of which require 30 credit hours for completion. Some of the core required courses for this program include the following:
- Evidence-Informed Decision-Making,
- Teaching Methodologies & Evaluation,
- Theoretical Foundations in Nursing: Exploring Learning & Leadership,
- and Integrated Advanced Pathophysiology,
- and Pharmacology & Assessment.
Types of Aid: Loans, Grants, Federal Work-Study, Veterans Benefits, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Criminal Background Check
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Current, Unencumbered, Active Registered Nurse License
- Completion of an undergraduate statistics course
- Accomplished Graduate Application
- Official Transcripts
- Self-Reflection
- CV or Resume
- Interview (If Applicable)
- 1-Day Synchronous Orientation
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The University of Wyoming offers an affordable way to fund graduate studies of its learners through numerous financial aid programs. Graduates may also be qualified for veterans’ benefits and scholarship programs. The university is also recognized as one of the most affordable universities to offer a nursing graduate program.
Learn about the University of Wyoming’s Master’s in Nursing Program.
University of Mary
Online BSN to MSN Degree Program
Bismarck, North Dakota
Tuition Fee: $10,370
The University of Mary’s affordable online BSN to MSN program is delivered in an accelerated learning format. It allows non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders to complete a master’s in nurse educator degree.
Depending on the students’ pace and timeframe of learning, the inexpensive nursing graduate program can be earned in as little as 20 months on average.
The program requires 38 credit hours for graduation. Students will complete core required courses such as the following:
- Professional Roles in Advanced Nursing,
- Healthcare Across The Population,
- Healthcare Law & Policy,
- Resilient Nursing Leadership,
- and Critique & Design of Nursing Research.
Depending on the students’ preferences, this MSN program can either be culminated in an EBP project or thesis project. Prospective graduates must also have a minimum of 500 experiential hours for program completion.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Military and Veterans Benefits, and Tuition Reimbursement
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Graduate Admission Application
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Official Transcripts
- Current Unencumbered Registered Nurse License
- Professional Goals Statement
- CV or Resume
- Background Check Disclosure Form/Background Check
- Two References
- $45 Application Fee
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Aside from affordable tuition fees, the University of Mary provides several financial aid programs to its graduate students. The university is a military-friendly university that has a dedicated military service office to work comprehensively with active-duty, retired, and reserved military and veterans, as well as qualified dependents.
Learn more about the University of Mary’s MS in Nursing: Nurse Educator Program.
Thomas Edison State University
MS in Nursing Online: Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Administration
Trenton, New Jersey
Tuition Fee: $675 Per Credit Hour
Through the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, Thomas Edison State University has an inexpensive online Master of Science in Nursing with these three specializations: Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Administration. Prospective graduates must have a minimum of 36 credit hours for completion.
All MSN specialties require six credit hours of practicum as a culminating requirement. A total of 150 hours of supervised work is needed in each practicum course. The Nurse Educator concentration has core required courses such as the following:
- Nursing Leadership in a Global Community,
- Advanced Pharmacology,
- Health Policy,
- Curriculum Theory and Development in Nursing Education,
- and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice.
Types of Aid: Programs for Veterans and their Dependents, Institutional and Outside Scholarships, and Loan Options
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Completed Graduate Admission Application
- $50 Application Fee
- Minimum Two Years of Clinical Nursing Experience (Recommended)
- Valid Unencumbered US Registered Nurse License
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official Transcript of Records
- Maximum of 500 Words of Personal Statement
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Thomas Edison State University offers an extensive range of scholarship programs to fund graduate students’ studies. Once students have completed their FAFSA requirements, they may be qualified to become scholarship recipients at TESU. Graduates may also qualify for veterans’ benefits, including their eligible dependents.
Learn more about Thomas Edison State University’s MSN Program.
Texas Woman’s University
100% Online MS in Nurse Practitioner Program with Five Specialties
Denton, Texas
Tuition Fee: $28,561
Texas Women’s University is an affordable online Master of Science in Nurse Practitioner program that has five areas of specialty. These specialties include the following:
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner,
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner,
- Family Nurse Practitioner,
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner,
- and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The program is created for working Registered Nurses, providing them the flexibility they require. All courses are completed 100% online and taught by the same faculty members of traditional on-campus programs.
Types of Aid: Student Employment, Loans, Scholarship Programs, Grants, and Nurse Educator Tuition Award
Admission Requirements:
- BS or BS in Nursing degree from a nationally-credited nursing program
- Current and Unencumbered US Registered Nurse License
- Basic Statistics Course Completion
- GPA of at least 3.0 (last 60-hour coursework)
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Aside from being widely known as one of the best value universities, TWU is also a top national university in the US. With that said graduate students are ensured of a top-quality nursing program attainable through the university’s affordable tuition rates.
Learn more about Texas Woman’s University’s Online MS in Nurse Practitioner Program today.
Wilmington University
MS in Nursing Leadership Distance Learning Program with Four Concentrations
New Castle, Delaware
Tuition Fee: $537 Per Credit Hour
Wilmington University’s College of Health Professions has an affordable online Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership program. Developed for professional RNs who desire to pursue management roles, this nursing graduate program trains and prepares them to expand healthcare mobility and to earn as well as pursue advanced nursing practices in different settings.
The program combines unmatched affordability and flexibility. Prospective graduates may choose an accelerated MSN option in online 7-week block courses.
The MSN in Nursing Leadership has four specializations: Accreditation, Public Health, Legal Nurse Consultant, Educator, and Executive. Core MSN courses include the following:
- Politics and Policy in the Healthcare System,
- Contemporary Concepts in Advanced Practice Roles,
- Teaching and Learning in Nursing,
- and Evidenced-Based Practice in the Health Professions.
A Nurse Leadership Portfolio is required as a final component before graduation.
Types of Aid: Work-Study Programs, Federal Student Loans, Grants, Scholarships, Veterans Educational Benefits, and Private and Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- $35 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Completed Graduate Application Form
- Copy of Current U.S. Registered Nurse License
- Official Transcripts of Record
- Immunization Record
- Program Planning Conference
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Wilmington University has plenty of financial aid options for graduate students. The university helps graduate students fund their graduate programs through loans, scholarships, and student employment opportunities. Graduates may also be qualified for veterans’ educational benefits.
Learn more about Wilmington University’s Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership Program.
Fort Hays State University
Online Master’s in Nursing Degree Program: Nursing Education
Hays, Kansas
Tuition Fee: $375 Per Credit Hour
Fort Hays State University has highly affordable online MSN programs! Through the university’s Department of Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing Education is designed for working RNs who want to pursue a career in nursing studies. Prospective students must have a minimum of 36 credit hours for graduation. They complete foundational courses such as the following:
- Developing Nursing Theories,
- Informatics in Health Care Systems,
- Advanced Statistics,
- Advanced Health Assessment Practicum for Educators and Administrators,
- and Advanced Foundations for Nursing Practice.
Types of Aid: Student Employment Opportunities, Scholarship Programs, Military Education Benefits, Loans, and Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Two accomplished graduate school application
- Official transcript of records
- Two recommendations from colleagues, former teachers, or employers
- Printed personal and professional goals statement
- CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited BSN program
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Current registered nurse license
- Advanced professional nursing studies attitude and aptitude
- Clear background check
- Professional liability insurance coverage
- Personal health insurance coverage
- Basic life support from the American heart healthcare provider
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Fort Hays State University has garnered recognition as one of the best value universities around the country. Aside from inexpensive tuition fees, FHSU has a wide range of financial aid programs to fund graduate students in their chosen program. Active-duty military and their qualified dependents may be eligible to pursue a graduate program at a discounted tuition rate.
Learn more about Fort Hays State University’s Masters In Nursing Education Program.
Drexel University
MS in Nursing in Public Health Nursing Distance Learning Degree Program
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fee: $1,134 Per Credit Hour
Drexel University has an affordable online Master of Science in Nursing in Public Health Nursing program that requires 45 credit hours for graduation. This 100% online graduate program has courses taught by faculty members from the university’s Dornsife School of Public Health, and College of Nursing and Health Professions.
The program requires at least 45 credit hours for graduation. Prospective graduates will complete MSN core courses such as the following:
- Quality and Safety in Healthcare,
- Evaluation and Translation of Health Research,
- Research Methods and Biostatistics,
- Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care,
- and Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments.
The curriculum is arranged in four 10-week quarters per academic year. Full-time students complete their program in as few as 24 months.
Types of Aid: Military Educational Benefits, Tuition Discounts for Alumni, Military, and Partner Organizations, Employer Reimbursement Tuition Deferment Plan, Federal and Private Loans, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- ACEN- or CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Unrestricted and Current U.S. Registered Nurse License
- Completed Graduate Application
- Official Transcripts
- Two Professional Letters of Recommendation
- 800- to 1,600-word Personal Statement
- Resume
- Copy of the US RN License
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Aside from having affordable tuition rates across different programs, Drexel University has a three-year tuition lock for prospective graduates who will complete their MSN degree in three years. The university has a generous amount of tuition discounts for qualified alumni, military, and partner organization members.
Adult learners may be qualified to apply for an Employer Reimbursement Tuition Deferment Plan once they have accomplished their FAFSA requirements at Drexel.
Learn more about Drexel University’s Master of Science in Nursing – Public Health Nursing Program.
Liberty University
MS in Nursing 100% Online Program with Five Specializations
Lynchburg, Virginia
Tuition Fee: $275 Per Credit Hour
Liberty University’s affordable online 36-credit hour Master of Science in Nursing program will offer prospective graduates with the essential expertise and skillsets for advanced clinical professions, research, and teaching. The 100% online MSN program has five specializations, namely Nursing Informatics, Nursing Administration, Nurse Educator, Health Policy, and Community Health.
All specializations have an accelerated one-year learning track for students who prefer a faster way to earn a nursing graduate program. Also, Liberty University offers dual programs such as MSN/MBA Dual Degree; and MSN/MSHA Dual Degree. Prospective students pursuing the Nurse Educator specialization will complete courses such as the following:
- Advanced Health/Physical Assessment,
- Evaluation Strategies for Nurse Educators,
- Advanced Pharmacology,
- Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology,
- and Nursing Education II: Curriculum Development.
Types of Aid: Military Benefits, Tuition Discounts, Tuition Assistance, Loans, Grants, Scholarships, and Federal Work-Study Programs
Admission Requirements:
- $50 application fee
- Graduate admission application form
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- (Minimum) a year of experience as an RN
- One of the recommender’s contact information
- Current registered nurse license
- Official transcript of records
- Unofficial college transcripts
- Essential attributes statement
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Liberty University has received recognition as one of the best vet schools in the country. The university provides a substantial amount of tuition discounts for active-duty, reserved, and retired military personnel and veterans as well as their spouses. It also has a wide range of financial aid programs for graduate students to lessen the costs of their graduate program.
Learn more about Liberty University’s Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Program.
Western Governors University
Online RN to MSN Nursing Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tuition Fee: $5,035 Per 6 Month Term
Western Governors University offers an affordable online RN-to-MSN Nursing Education program. It is one of the unique graduate programs offered at WGU since it is a competency-based program.
With competency-based learning, prospective students’ academic success and completion aren’t measured in class time but through actual learning. They will advance in the curriculum by demonstrating they’ve already mastered the courses through exams, projects, and other types of assessment. Some of the MSN core courses include the following:
- Leadership and Management in Complex Healthcare System,
- Professional Presence and Influence,
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care,
- Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice,
- and Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care.
Types of Aid: Corporate Reimbursement, Scholarships, Tuition Assistance, Loans, Military and Veterans Benefits, and Grants
Admission Requirements:
- $65 Application Fee
- Completed Graduate Admission Application
- Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing (ASN or ADN)
- Active and Unencumbered Registered Nurse License
- Resume
- Actively Employed as a Registered Nurse at the time of Admission and Enrollment
- Criminal Background Check through American Databank
- Proof of Current Immunizations
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
WGU’s tuition is charged per term instead of a per-credit basis. As a result, graduate students finish faster and lesser charges incurred. Aside from affordable tuition rates, WGU offers tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants exclusively for graduate students. They may also qualify for corporate reimbursements and veterans’ benefits.
Learn more about Western Governors University’s Master’s in Nursing – Education Program.
Ball State University
Online MS in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, and Nurse Educator
Muncie, Indiana
Tuition Fee: $476 Per Credit (Resident) | $701 Per Credit (Non-Resident)
The 100% online and affordable Master of Science in Nursing program at Ball State University has three concentrations. These concentrations include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, and Nurse Educator.
For Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator, prospective graduates must have 36 credit hours for program completion while Family Nurse Practitioner requires 47 credit hours for completion. Some of the core nursing courses include the following:
- Concept Analysis 2,
- Decision Making,
- Disease and Injury Prevention in Populations,
- Nursing Concepts in Health Promotion,
- Nursing Information Technology,
- and Nursing Theory.
The MSN program’s curriculum is offered in an asynchronous learning format.
Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- $60 Non-Refundable Application Fee (Fee Waivers Apply)
- NLNAC/ACEN- or CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Resident and Completed All Clinical Hours in a State where the School of Nursing is permitted to offer its programs
- Minimum Overall 3.0 Undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active and Unencumbered Registered Nurse License
- Official Transcripts of Record
- Health Clearance Requirements such as Drug Screening, and Background Check
- 1-Day On-Campus Orientation
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Ball State University has one of the cheapest tuition fees across Indiana. For prospective graduates, they can apply for either scholarship programs, and graduate assistantships as their financial aid program. Once they have accomplished their requirements for FAFSA, they may be qualified for BSU’s types of financial aid for graduates.
Learn more about Ball State University’s Master’s in Nursing Program.
University of North Dakota
Online MS in Nurse Education
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Tuition Fee: $889 Per Credit
The Master of Science in Nurse Educator at the University of North Dakota requires a minimum of 38 credit hours for completion. Prospective students may commit on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on their preferences. Some of the core required courses include the following:
- Health Promotion,
- Ethical, Legal & Health Policy Issues in Healthcare,
- Curriculum Development,
- Theories and Concepts in Nursing,
- and Advanced Pathophysiology
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Waivers, Loans, Grants, and Graduate Assistantship Programs, Tuition Discounts, and Military and Veterans Educational Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Completion of Graduate Admissions Test Requirements
- English Language Proficiency Requirement (All Applicants are Required)
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The University of North Dakota’s Department of Nursing is privileged to earn a substantial amount of support from donors, friends, and alumni network. These groups have also support UND’s nursing students. As a result, prospective students will automatically be deliberated for any scholarship programs if they qualify. The Department of Nursing also has numerous scholarship programs for eligible graduates.
Learn about the University of North Dakota’s MS in Nurse Educator Program.
Southwest Baptist University
100% Online MS in Nursing: Nursing Administration & Nursing Education
Bolivar, Missouri
Tuition Fee: $5,023
Southwest Baptist University has a 100% online Master of Science in Nursing program that offers three different plans of learning to suit students’ lifestyle and preference. Students can opt to attend the program on a Full-Time Accelerated, Full-Time, and Part-Time basis.
Students can complete the MSN program in 18 months, 24 months, or 36 months and comes in two concentrations, namely Nursing Administration; and Nursing Education. Prospective students will take core MSN classes such as the following:
- Information Systems,
- Nursing Science,
- Nursing Research; Statistics & Data Analysis for Nursing,
- and Concepts of Advanced Nursing Practice.
Since Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered school, prospective graduates are encouraged to consider their own beliefs and how they will integrate their beliefs in their chosen profession.
Types of Aid: Nurse Faculty Loan Program, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (If not, GRE Scores are required)
- BS in Nursing from an accredited school
- Accomplished Graduate Application Form for Admission
- Two Reference Letters
- Official Transcripts
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Southwest Baptist University remains steadfast in its commitment to providing affordable and quality education. For nursing graduate students, they may be qualified to apply for nurse faculty loan program and scholarships at SBUniv. Once they have completed their FAFSA requirements, they can apply for financial aid at the school.
Learn more about Southwest Baptist University’s Master of Science in Nursing Program.
Angelo State University
MS in Nursing with a Nurse Educator Specialization Online
San Angelo, Texas
Tuition Fee: $9,584 Per Semester (Resident) | $21,884 Per Semester (Non-Resident)
Angelo State University offers prospective nursing graduates with a wholly online and affordable Master’s in Nursing with a Nurse Educator specialization. For students to graduate, they must have 39 credit hours of coursework.
Also, they must pass a comprehensive written examination so they can graduate from the program. Graduate students will take core required courses such as the following:
- Advanced Health Assessment,
- Health Policy, and Ethics,
- Leadership, and Roles in Advanced Nursing,
- Pharmacotherapeutics,
- and Informatics and Health Care Technology for Advanced Nursing.
Angelo State’s online MSN program has received recognition from the US News and World Report as one of the nation’s best online nursing programs.
Types of Aid: Carr Academic Graduate Scholarships, Military Veterans and their Dependents Benefits, Institutional and External Scholarships, Grants, Student Employment, Outside Assistance, Long-Term Loans, Education Savings Plans, Assistantships, and Tax Credits
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished Graduate Application for Admission
- Official Transcripts
- ACEN- or CCNE-accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completed Undergraduate Statistics Course with a grade of C or higher
- Current and Unencumbered Registered Nurse License in Texas
- Minimum One Year Clinical Experience as an RN.
- Three References
- Personal Statement
- CV or Resume
- Current CPR Certification
- Proof of Immunization Requirements
- Proof of Current Health Insurance
- Background Check and Drug Screening
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
In terms of funding graduate nursing programs, Angelo State University has a Carr Academic Graduate Scholarships offering. Prospective students will no longer submit their application for these scholarships. They will automatically be considered upon their acceptance into the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Angelo State also has numerous departmental scholarship programs dedicated to nursing students.
Learn more about Angelo State University’s Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator Program.
Excelsior College
MS in Nursing Online: Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems
Albany, New York
Tuition Fee: $755 Per Credit Hour
Excelsior College’s affordable Master’s in Nursing programs provides an opportunity for working adults to pursue a graduate program in a flexible learning method. The MSN program has three concentrations, namely Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems.
Prospective students can waive a maximum of 16 credit hours, applicable to all three specializations. The Nursing Informatics can be completed in 36 credit hours while both the Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education requires 38 credit hours for completion. The MSN program’s core courses include the following:
- Transformational Nursing,
- Innovation, Inquiry, and Scholarship,
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice,
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice,
- and Policy, Ethics, and Population Health.
Types of Aid: Tuition Discounts, Grants, Loans, Internal and External Scholarships, Private Loans and Grants, and Payment Plans
Admission Requirements:
- $50 Application Fee
- ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
- Official Transcripts
- Copy of US Registered Nurse License
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
With a diverse range of financial aid programs, Excelsior College’s graduate students will find ways to fund their graduate education. Once they have complied with the school’s FAFSA requirements, prospective graduates will have the opportunity to qualify for financial aid programs exclusively for them.
Learn more about Excelsior College’s Master of Science in Nursing Programs.
East Tennessee State University
100% Online MSN Degree Program with Four Specialties
Johnson City, Tennessee
Tuition Fee: $646 Per Credit Hour (In-State) | $1,487 Per Credit Hour (Out-Of-State) |
$806 Per Credit Hour (Out-Of-State eRate)
The College of Nursing – East Tennessee State University offers a 100% online and affordable Master’s in Nursing program. The MSN program has four specialty concentrations that lead to different career pathways and areas of practice. These include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; and Nursing Administration.
Prospective graduates can take a part-time or full-time study format depending on their preference. A Nursing Education concentration requires 42 credit hours for program completion. Under this concentration, prospective graduates will take core courses such as the following:
- Health Policy Leadership,
- Advanced Pathophysiology,
- Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan,
- Advanced Clinical Pharmacology,
- and Nursing Research for EBP.
A total of 420 practicum hours is also required for graduation.
Types of Aid: Student Employment, Employee Tuition Assistance, Assistantships, Tuition Scholarships, Tuition Fee Discounts, Grants, Loans, Student Work Programs, Veterans’ and Disability Benefits, and Student Service Positions
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Unencumbered Registered Nurse License in Tennessee
- Completion of 3-semester or 4-quarter hour undergraduate-level Statistics course
- Personal Statement
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Unofficial Transcripts
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
ETSU’s variety of financial aid programs makes it easier for graduate students to lessen the expenses they’ll acquire while completing their graduate programs. The university also provides discounted military tuition and fees, tuition assistance, and tuition deferral programs for active-duty military, air force, army, marine corps, navy, coast guards, and their dependents. Graduates must first complete their requirements for FAFSA so they can qualify for ETSU’s financial assistance.
Learn more about East Tennessee State University’s Master of Science in Nursing Program
Regis University
Online MSN Leadership Program
Denver, Colorado
Tuition Fee: $1,275 Per Credit Hour
Regis University has an affordable 100% online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership program that helps students explore evidence-based research, learning methodologies, and teaching principles. The program requires RN students to complete 30 credit hours. The delivery format is on flexible 8-week terms, where students will complete courses asynchronously.
Prospective graduates will complete core MSN courses such as the following:
- Health Care Policy and Issues in Practice,
- Population Health, and Interprofessional Collaboration Practicum,
- Advanced Nursing Practice: Leadership and Theoretical Frameworks,
- Health Care Organizations and Systems Leadership,
- and Teaching and Learning Strategies in Health Care.
Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits, Scholarships, Grants, Student Loans, and Employer Discounts
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished Graduate Online Application
- NLN or AACN-CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Official Transcripts
- Current Resume
- Active Registered Nurse License
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Completion of a Statistics Course
- Three Recommendation Forms
- 1-Page Personal Statement
- Minimum Two Years of Clinical Experience as RN (Preferred)
- Current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals Certification from AHA
- Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening
- Comprehensive Health History and Physical Examination
Accreditation:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Higher Learning Commission
Regis University’s financial aid programs allow graduate students to fund their graduate education. The university requires an accomplishment of FAFSA during the admission process so graduates can qualify for several tuition benefits, loan options, scholarships, and discounted tuition rates.
Learn more about Regis University’s Master of Science in Nursing Leadership Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary outlook for graduates of an online Master’s in Nursing Education program?
Nursing educators and post-secondary teachers educate and demonstrate patient care in clinical facilities and classrooms to nursing graduate students. They may specialize primarily in educating or keep a profession that combines research and teaching.
Speaking of salary outlook, it’s crucial to keep in mind that numerous factors affect earning potential, including the area of concentration, location, years of professional experience, and level of education.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says post-secondary nursing educators and teachers had a median annual income of $84,060 in May 2023. The top 90% earn a total of $133,420, while the lowest 10% earn $41,930 as an annual salary.
The lucrative professions with an MSN degree have the following annual salary:
- Surgical and General Medical Hospitals – $ 119,050
- Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Facilities – $100,020
- Computer and Management Training/Business Schools – $98,040
- Higher Learning Institutions – $84,320
- Junior Colleges – $75,190
What are the standard requirements for admission to an online Master’s in Nursing program?
Depending on the nursing graduate concentration, admission for master’s in nursing program requirements varies per school. It varies on many factors, including the status of residency, professional experience, and previous academic credentials. These admission requirements include if graduate students are pursuing the shortest Master’s in Nursing program.
Some of the most common admission requirements students must complete when enrolling in a master’s degree in the nursing program include the following:
- Official Transcripts of Record from All Courses
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE Test Scores (This may be waived if Minimum GPA is above 3.0)
- Three Letters of Recommendation/Reference
- Current Resume or CV
- Written Personal Statement of Professional Goals
Admission requirements for a Master’s in Nursing program may vary on the types of a master’s program in nursing that graduate students are pursuing. It is also applicable when applying for an RN to MSN with a baccalaureate degree in another field of discipline.
Should I pursue a Master’s in Nursing Program online?
Prospective students who are already working, who have family obligations or who want to earn a graduate program in nursing without having to attend in-person classes, may choose a distance learning or online program. Several professionals choose a distance learning program since it’s the most convenient and practical way to continue work while completing a graduate program.
Some of these graduate programs are arranged into cohorts where graduate students’ complete coursework at a similar pace as their colleagues. Also, some students will complete courses on their own timeframe and pace of learning.
Aside from minimum GPA requirements, most online graduate programs in nursing education have minimum requirements, including a BSN and a Registered Nurse License. For prospective students without a BSN degree, they may complete additional coursework aside from the standard master’s program requirements.
Programs often will only accept graduate students on a part-time commitment while others admit students on a full-time basis for the program duration.
Regardless of the students’ professional aspirations, completing an online Master’s in Nursing program offers flexibility and convenience for busy working professionals.
Is earning a Master’s degree in Nursing difficult?
Earning a Master’s degree in Nursing can be a challenging endeavor. Depending on the individual, it can take anywhere from two to three years to complete the program. In addition to coursework, it requires a great deal of independent study, research, and clinical practice.
However, with dedication and hard work, most students can successfully complete the program and be well-prepared to enter the nursing field.
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