If you want to advance your nursing practice and open new professional doors, a master of science in nursing (MSN) might be worth pursuing.
The following list includes some of the top affordable online MSN degree programs for 2026. However, note that these programs aren't simply the cheapest available. Beyond their cost, we also considered student outcomes, ease of admission, reputation, flexibility, accessibility, and student diversity.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Affordable Online MSN Programs
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like cost, student resources, and program variety. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why the Cheapest Online MSN Program Isn't Always the Most Affordable
Affordability is an important factor when choosing an MSN degree program. However, affordability involves more than just a program's "sticker price."
The cheapest program in terms of tuition and fees is not necessarily the most affordable when you take into account financial aid availability and overall program quality.
Many students rely on financial aid to help pay for their degrees. Some schools offer generous scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, or discounts, while others provide minimal financial support. It's important to compare your options since financial aid can sometimes cut tuition prices by half or more, as shown in the table below.
Additionally, the quality of a program can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs. For example, a low-cost program that lacks student support and educational rigor might increase your risk of repeating courses or extending your graduation timeline, potentially leading to added costs. Accredited programs led by experienced faculty can reduce this likelihood.
Program quality also impacts your overall return on investment (ROI). A cheap program isn't helpful if you graduate without strong career prospects. Programs with strong outcomes can offset a higher upfront cost when your increased earnings begin to pay back that investment.
| Institution Name | Northwestern University | University of Missouri-St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Yearly Cost of Tuition | $87,804 | $38,132 |
| Avg. Net Tuition After Aid | $23,341 | $17,831 |
| Avg. Savings from Aid | ~73% | ~53% |
Benefits of Getting an Affordable MSN Degree Online
57% of prospective students note that cost is their biggest hurdle when choosing an online program.
90% of graduates of online programs believe their degree has or will have a positive ROI.
98% of all current, prospective, and former students surveyed would recommend online education.
Source: 2025 Online Education Trends Report
How Much Does an MSN Degree Cost?
Master's in Health Professions, 2019-2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $11,229
Avg. Net Price: $9,621
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $19,144
Avg. Net Price: $16,428
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of a MSN degree is around $19,000 per year without financial aid — or $76,000 for a four-year program.
However, online programs are often cheaper. Yearly tuition for online MSN degrees is around $11,000 before financial aid.
Undergraduate programs usually provide more federal aid options compared to graduate ones. Still, you may qualify for other financial aid options such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
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What Is an Online MSN's ROI?
Nurses typically earn above-average salaries, making an MSN a degree with a strong return on investment (ROI).
The mean starting salary for MSN graduates was $94,160 per year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) graduate salary report from the class of 2023.
Additionally, an MSN can help you qualify for advanced roles with higher salaries, such as nurse anesthetists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse anesthetists earned a median salary of $223,210 in 2024.
The BLS projects that jobs for advanced practice nurses will grow by 35% between 2024 and 2034. This suggests strong long-term career potential and job security, which further enhances the overall value of an MSN degree.
How to Save Money on Your Online MSN
To save money on your degree, consider the following:
1. Apply for Federal and State Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal loans, grants, and work‑study opportunities. Although much federal aid is allocated toward undergraduate students, many states and schools also use FAFSA results to award need-based scholarships, assistantships, and tuition reductions geared toward graduate students.
2. Seek Out Nursing‑Specific Scholarships and Grants
Some professional associations, private foundations, and hospitals offer scholarships specifically for nursing graduate students. Well-known examples include the Nursing Economic Foundation's scholarships for advanced nursing degree students.
3. Look into Employer Tuition Reimbursement or Sponsorship
If you're currently employed at a hospital or healthcare organization, check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or sponsorship specifically for graduate nursing programs. Before enrolling in your MSN, carefully review your employer's reimbursement policy to confirm that your chosen program qualifies. Keep in mind that employers often limit reimbursement to approved degrees or specializations and typically require you to maintain a minimum GPA.
4. Apply for Federal Education Loan Forgiveness Programs
As a graduate student, you can apply for federal unsubsidized loans, which cap borrowing at $20,500 per year. You can also consider private student loans. However, these often have less favorable terms compared to federal loans and do not qualify for federal forgiveness or income-driven repayment programs.
You may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or nursing‑specific forgiveness programs such as the Federal Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program or the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Keep in mind, however, that some of these programs may require service commitments in eligible locations, are highly competitive, and may not repay all of your debt.
5. Get Credits for Previous Education or Work Experience
Some schools allow you to earn credits for previous graduate coursework or relevant professional experiences. Check your school's transfer credit policy for any credit hour limits and minimum grade requirements. Eligibility typically depends on factors such as the accreditation of your previous institution and the relevance of your previous credits to the degree program you're enrolling in.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Degrees
The average cost of an online healthcare master's degree, including MSN degrees, is just over $11,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) data from 2020. The average net price (the cost after financial aid is applied) was roughly $9,600. Remember, however, that other factors — including location, school, and financial aid awards — can impact your final cost.
