[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree can lead to opportunities as a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse educator, or nurse administrator. But earning an MSN also requires a significant investment of time and money.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our guide to the cheapest online MSN programs can help you find the right program for your budget. Explore these affordable and accredited programs to take the next step in your nursing career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Most Affordable Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the most affordable online MSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Online MSN Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in nursing gives [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] the clinical knowledge and skills to expand their nursing practice. Specialized MSN programs prepare graduates to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MSN programs offer flexible schedules designed for working nurses. Nursing students expand their knowledge of nursing leadership and healthcare technology through online courses while developing advanced patient care and health assessment skills during in-person clinical experiences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To be successful in an online MSN program, you’ll need the following skills:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Resourcefulness[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Don’t be afraid to contact professors or instructors with coursework questions. They maintain virtual office hours to be available for questions or clarification about learning objectives.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Organization[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is crucial to stay organized while balancing online coursework and other responsibilities. Try to keep a system — like folders on your computer or within the learning portal — to stay on top of assignments and deadlines.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Persistence[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school is hard work, but remember, it’s only temporary. Always keep your long-term goals in mind as you work toward them.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the specialization, an online MSN can take 18 months to three years to complete. Most programs also offer part-time tracks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Courses Taken”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Comprehensive health assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced pharmacology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical diagnostics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare delivery systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Concentrations”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family NP[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult-gerontology primary care NP[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing informatics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing leadership and administration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric mental health NP[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric NP[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Skills Learned”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specialized clinical care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced assessment techniques[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ethical decision-making[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing informatics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applying nursing research in practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online MSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to an online MSN program, applicants need to meet admission requirements, which can include prerequisite courses and clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools accept applications during certain times of the year, while others allow for year-round admission. Give yourself ample time to prepare your application, write your essay, and organize your recommendations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the admission requirements and process vary by nursing school, many include the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accredited BSN degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A current RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1-2 years of clinical nursing experience (required or recommended)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Materials[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Resume or CV[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statement of purpose[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1-3 letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]GPA Requirement[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum 3.0 GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online MSN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The accreditation process ensures that nursing programs prepare graduates for licensure and nursing practice. Before applying to online MSN programs, check whether they hold [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]nursing accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Accreditation indicates that experts have determined that the school meets rigorous quality standards. Online and on-campus nursing programs must meet the same standards to receive accreditation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’re putting your hard work and money into an advanced nursing degree, so you want to know your program follows the best practices to educate nurses. Accredited programs prepare graduates to practice nursing safely and effectively. All programs in our ranking of the most affordable MSN programs are accredited.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are online MSN programs respected?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online MSN programs offered by accredited nursing schools are respected. These MSN programs meet the same quality standards as on-campus programs while delivering coursework in a flexible format. Online learners complete in-person clinical requirements to develop their skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you do your MSN online?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can do your MSN online. In an online MSN program, nursing students take classes in a flexible online format. They meet any clinical requirements in person, often in their local area. Accredited online MSN programs meet licensure and certification requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying MSN job?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying job that requires an MSN is a nurse practitioner. NPS are advanced practice RNs who earn a median pay of $129,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Several other MSN jobs, including nurse administrators and nurse educators, also have a high earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the shortest MSN program?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The shortest MSN programs include [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]nurse educator[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-administrator/”]nurse administrator[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-informatics/what-can-you-really-do-with-a-nursing-informatics-degree/”]nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link]. RNs can typically finish these programs in as few as 18 months. Advanced practice MSN programs, including nurse practitioner programs, typically take longer.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]