In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in nursing education degree programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a favorable employment growth for all nursing occupations, including the highly specialized field of nursing education. Nurse educators typically hold an MSN degree with a concentration in nursing education. Since employers require work experience, registered nurses do not generally have the time to return to school without a flexible learning environment. Thankfully, online MSN nursing education programs are offered.
We reviewed approximately 113 colleges and universities with online master’s in nursing education degree programs. To narrow our pool of schools, we included only accredited colleges and universities, both with regional and national accreditation. Also, we included only schools with graduate tuition and fees, as listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator, below $21,000 per year. As an additional indicator, we attempted to include only schools or programs that had received recognition or published rankings from U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our schools in order of raw affordability.
Below is our list of the 30 most affordable online master’s in nursing education programs.
#30 – Pennsylvania State University
Online Master’s in Nursing
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,974
Penn State University World Campus offers an online master’s in nursing education for current RNs seeking additional education and training. The Penn State MSN prepares graduates for career advancement by moving into educational and leadership positions within a wide variety of health care settings. The program offers matriculating students two options – nurse education and nurse administration. The entire degree is offered online. Admission requirements include a valid RN registration and license and a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). Coursework within the 37-credit degree includes assessment and evaluation in nursing education, curriculum and program development in nursing education, and health care economics and policy for nurse administrators.
For more information: Pennsylvania State University
#29 – Norwich University
Online Master’s in Nursing
Northfield, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,578
Norwich University offers an online MSN nursing education program for current registered nurses to pursue additional training in the form of an advanced degree that prepares them for careers in nursing education, administration and leadership, or nursing informatics. Courses within the Norwich degree are capped at 15 students with degree completion possible within 18 months. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited commission on undergraduate nursing, an active unencumbered license, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Graduate testing is not required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Norwich University #86 in regional universities North and #21 in best value schools regional universities North.
For more information: Norwich University
#28 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Nurse Educator
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers online nursing education programs designed to prepare graduates for a wide spectrum of career choices within the public and private sector where educating current and future nurses is the priority. Graduates can go on to become academic instructors at universities and community colleges. Students also go on to educational careers within health care organizations and hospitals. The 39-credit degree can be completed in as little as eight terms taking two classes per term. Admission requirements include an unencumbered nursing license and a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Provisional admission may be offered to students with a 2.67-2.99 GPA.
For more information: Southern New Hampshire University
#27 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,203
California University of Pennsylvania offers an online master’s in nursing education to prepare graduates for teaching and training positions within postsecondary institutions or healthcare organizations. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the California University program classes can be completed online as students take two courses per term and graduate in approximately two years. The curriculum culminates in a 150-hour practicum where students are able to apply what they learn in a practice setting. Admission requirements include a 3.0 minimum GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and at least one-year experience in nursing, preferably at the leadership level. Students are also required to write a personal statement describing how they will utilize the degree.
For more information: California University of Pennsylvania
#26 – University of Massachusetts
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Amherst, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,367
University of Massachusetts Amherst is offering a nursing education master’s online for individuals interested in teaching nursing courses within postsecondary institutions or healthcare organizations. The 33-credit program includes 11 courses, all of which are delivered online except the final practicum experience where students are able to apply what they have learned in a clinical setting. The UMass Amherst program curriculum is developed based on the pedagogical standards of the National League of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for Master’s Education. Each applicant to the program must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or an associate’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must also hold a current professional license. Courses include advanced health assessment and clinical reasoning, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and curriculum development and evaluation process.
For more information: University of Massachusetts
#25 – University of Mary
Online Master’s in Nurse Educator
Bismarck, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,225
University of Mary, a Christian Catholic institution, confers nursing education master’s programs online designed to teach and train graduates to become nursing educators within a variety of educational and health care settings. The program is for current RNs who hold bachelor of nursing degrees that can be parlayed into a master’s level degree. The program matriculates students three times per year with all coursework available online. Students also receive the opportunity to apply their coursework through 500 total hours of leadership and educational practicum experiences. Coursework includes advanced health assessment for nurse educators, evidence-based practice and strategic healthcare decision making, and nurse educator evidence-based practice project planning. Admission requirements include an unencumbered RN license, a minimum 2.75 GPA (4.0 scale), two reference letters, resume, and personal statement.
For more information: University of Mary
#24 – Capella University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,842
Capella University offers an online MSN nursing education degree designed to teach and train graduates the skills and knowledge necessary to become nursing educators within a variety of educational and healthcare settings such as postsecondary institutions, hospitals, and clinics. The MSN degree program at Capella is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Program content is based on American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing and designed to fit with the National League for Nursing Competencies for Nursing Education. Students have a variety of choices in course load depending on their individual circumstances. Courses include assessment and evaluation in nursing education, curriculum design and evaluation, the nurse educator role, and teaching and active learning strategies.
For more information: Capella University
#23 – Chamberlain University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Downers Grove, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,240
Chamberlain University offers an online master’s in nursing with several specialty tracks, including one for nursing education. Graduates of the nursing education track may be qualified to assume a variety of nursing education positions and careers including college instructor, nurse education trainer, educational consultant, educational specialist, and community health leader. All coursework is delivered online aside from a 144-hour practicum where students work alongside existing nurse educators and staff to apply what they learn in the classroom. Courses include advanced evidenced-based research methods, foundational concepts and applications, fundamentals of nurse informatics, and leadership and nursing practice. U.S. News ranks Chamberlin University #118 in best online nursing graduate programs.
For more information: Chamberlain University
#22 – Removed by editor.
#21 – Jacksonville University
Online Master’s in Clinical Nurse Educator
Jacksonville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,860
Jacksonville University offers a nursing education master’s online for individuals seeking to become nursing instructors within a wide variety of health care and educational spaces. The program is delivered entirely online and consists of 10 courses disaggregated into five core courses and five education courses. Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The nursing program, delivered through the Keigwin School of Nursing, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville University #52 in regional universities South and #46 in best value schools regional universities South.
For more information: Jacksonville University
#20 – Colorado Technical University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803
Colorado Technical University offers a nursing education master’s online for individuals seeking to become nursing educators within a variety of healthcare and postsecondary institutions and organizations. The degree can be completed in as few as 19.5 months and is delivered 100% online aside from a final practicum experience. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Colorado Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Courses include advanced pathopharmacology and physical assessment for nurse educator, assessment and evaluation strategies, curriculum development and design, and innovative teaching strategies. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Colorado Technical University in its cohort of regional universities West.
For more information: Colorado Technical University
#19 – Regis University
Online Master’s in Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems Education
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,852
Regis University nursing education master’s programs online include an MSN with an educational focus designed to train future nursing educators to construct curriculum, build courses, and teach programmatic content within a variety of postsecondary and healthcare institutions. The program includes online courses with two practicum experiences that allow students to apply theory with real world situations. The program can be completed in seven semesters with full-time study. Courses include advanced health assessment, advanced physiology and pathology, advanced pharmacology, and evidenced-based practice research. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regis University #27 in regional universities West and #118 in best graduate online nursing programs.
For more information: Regis University
#18 – MidAmerica Nazarene University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Olathe, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,463
MidAmerica Nazarene University offers a nursing education master’s online for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program consists of 39 credits and can be completed in as few as 26 months. Admission requirements include a bachelor in science in nursing, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and an unencumbered, U.S.-based RN license. Courses include applied research in nursing, emerging trends in healthcare delivery, evidence-based practice in nursing, and health promotion for a global society. U.S. News and World Report ranks MidAmerica Nazarene University #75 in regional universities Midwest and #47 for best colleges for veterans regional universities Midwest.
For more information: MidAmerica Nazarene University
#17 – Walsh University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
North Canton, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,430
Walsh University confers an online master’s in nursing education for experienced RNs seeking to become educators in the field. The program coursework is delivered online and includes on-campus experiences where students have the opportunity to implement into practice what they learn in class. The 40-credit program can be completed in as little as six semesters. Walsh University’s program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses include advanced pathophysiology, assessment and evaluation in nursing education, and epi methods for health promotion. U.S. News and World Report ranks Walsh University #64 in regional universities Midwest and #76 in best value schools regional universities Midwest.
For more information: Walsh University
#16 – Walden University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Walden University offers online nursing education programs designed for current registered nurses to become educators in the field. Students learn to research, create, and assess nursing education program curriculum in accordance with industry best practices and standards. Walden University’s MSN in nursing education program is accredited by the Commission on College Nursing Education and is delivered online along with fieldwork experiences. The program includes 76 quarter credits and coursework such as foundations of nursing research, issues and trends in nursing, and leadership competencies in nursing and healthcare. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Walden University’s MSN nursing educator program in its cohort of best nursing schools: master’s.
For more information: Walden University
#15 – SUNY College of Technology
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Delhi, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,265
SUNY Delhi offers an online MSN nursing education degree designed for registered nurses to be trained as educators. The online program is a mixture of asynchronous course content delivered via the internet and on-site practicum experiences in the student’s own community. Graduates may obtain educational positions within postsecondary institutions, community health organizations, and hospitals. Admission criterion include undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, diploma from a certified nursing program, unencumbered RN license, two academic references, resume/CV, and a personal statement. Courses include curriculum development and instructional design, leadership and quality improvement in healthcare systems, and principles of teaching and learning. U.S. News ranks SUNY Delhi #17 in regional colleges North.
#14 – University of Saint Mary
Online Master’s in Nurse Educator
Leavenworth, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,070
University of Saint Mary offers an online master’s in nursing education designed for current registered nurses to be educated and trained as nursing instructors across a spectrum of postsecondary institutions and healthcare organizations. The USM degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education with curriculum built upon guidelines established by the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Students choosing the nursing education track also receive preparation for the nursing doctorate program should they decide to pursue a PhD. Coursework includes analysis and utilization of research, foundations of advanced nursing practice, and health care policy and ethics. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Saint Mary #126 in regional universities Midwest.
For more information: University of Saint Mary
#12 – Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,555
Grand Canyon University offers online nursing education programs for students who wish to become leaders in nursing education. The GCU program is a combination of online course content and an on-site practicum experience in a predetermined setting. Students with an existing master’s in nursing can earn a certificate in nursing education. The degree consists of 36 semester credits with students able to transfer up to 12 credits from another degree. Classes include advanced health assessment for nurse educators, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology for nurse educators, and health care research analysis and utilization. U.S. News and World Report ranks Grand Canyon #231 in national universities.
For more information: Grand Canyon University
#11 – Indiana University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Bloomington, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,279
Indiana University offers nursing education master’s programs online for students desiring careers in nursing education and leadership. Graduates are prepared for positions including nursing professors, instructors, consultants, curriculum developers, and program coordinators. The program is delivered entirely online except for a 225-hour teaching practicum and seminar where students get the opportunity to blend theory and praxis. Students graduating from the program receive the same Indiana University degree as on-campus students receive. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana University #90 in national universities, #39 in top public schools national universities, and #52 in the best colleges for veteran students national universities.
For more information: Indiana University
#10 – Ohio University
Online Master’s in Nursing
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,715
Ohio University offers a nursing education master’s online for current RNs who desire an advanced degree in nursing while keeping their professional obligations. The nurse educator specialization focuses on evidenced-based pedagogy with a blend of online learning and two campus-based experiences. The first campus visitation consists of an orientation at the onset of the program, while the second campus visit includes a practicum allowing students to apply theory with real world practice and skill building. Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). U.S. News and World Report ranks Ohio University #151 in national universities and #78 in top public schools national universities.
For more information: Ohio University
#9 – Ball State University
Online Master’s in Nurse Educator
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,216
Ball State University offers an online MSN nursing education degree for experienced RNs to parlay their skills and knowledge into becoming classroom educators at a variety of postsecondary institutions including universities, junior colleges, community colleges, and trade schools. Opportunities to teach and train also exist within a variety of healthcare spaces such as hospitals and clinics. Students on the nursing education track can also pursue a family nurse practitioner certificate. Coursework includes curricular designs in nursing, health assessment for clinical practice, nursing information technology, and teaching in nursing. During the final semester, students have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced nursing educator as part of a 180-hour practicum. U.S. News ranks Ball State #187 in national universities.
For more information: Ball State University
#8 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
Liberty University’s online nursing education program offers several tracks, including a nursing education concentration designed for licensed registered nurses to become educators. Graduates may be eligible for teaching and administrative careers in colleges, universities, and community colleges. The curriculum is based on current guidelines set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Coursework includes advanced clinical applications for nurse educator, advanced health and physical assessment, and evaluation strategies for nurse educators. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty University #231 in National Universities.
For more information: Liberty University
#7 – Saint Joseph’s College
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Standish, Maine
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,720
Saint Joseph’s College offers nursing education master’s programs online designed for licensed registered nurses to earn a master’s level credential as preparation to become educators and consultants in the nursing field. Graduates may go on to instructor and professor positions within colleges and universities, two-year colleges, and a variety of healthcare institutions. The main function of these occupations is to develop, teach, and assess nursing curriculum to prospective and current registered nurses. The MSN in nursing education track at Saint Joseph’s consists of 42 credits. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The online curriculum is delivered in an asynchronous format allowing students to access content on their own time. Courses include assessment and evaluation in nursing and healthcare education and curriculum design in nursing and healthcare education. U.S. News ranks Saint Joseph’s #71 in regional universities North.
For more information: Saint Joseph’s College
#6 – Lamar University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University offers nursing education master’s programs online for registered nurses desiring a career in education. Delivered via the Joann Gay Dishman School of Nursing, the 37-credit program can be completed in 24 months. Admission requirements include a 3.0 minimum GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and a bachelor of science in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program. Students with a GPA less than 3.0 will be required to receive accepted scores on an entrance exam. Coursework includes advanced health assessment, curriculum design, and measurement and evaluation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lamar University #231 in national universities and #111 in best online graduate nursing programs.
For more information: Lamar University
#5 – University of North Carolina
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Greensboro, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,047
University of North Carolina Greensboro offers nursing education master’s programs online for prospective students desiring a career as a nurse educator. The 38-credit UNCG program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates are trained and educated to become educators within a variety of pre-licensure nursing programs at the RN level. Students go on to work as faculty at colleges and universities, two-year colleges, and trade schools. Additionally, students also may qualify for careers in healthcare staff development and within patient education programs at healthcare facilities. Coursework covers topics such as assessment, curriculum development, measurement, and testing. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNCG’s online MSN program #11 in best online graduate nursing programs.
For more information: University of North Carolina
#4 – Stevenson University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Stevenson, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,040
Stevenson University offers an online MSN nursing education program designed for current registered nurses to be trained in pre-licensure nursing education. Graduates may qualify for nursing education jobs in academic and clinical settings that require teaching, curriculum development, and assessment. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution, unencumbered registered nursing license, 3.0 GPA, two reference letters, resume, and personal statement. Courses within the nurse education curriculum include advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, curriculum design, and instructional media in education. U.S. News and World Report ranks Stevenson University #86 in regional universities North and #118 in best online graduate nursing programs.
For more information: Stevenson University
#3 – Western Governors University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790
Western Governor’s University offers an online MSN nursing education degree for individuals with a bachelor of science in nursing. The WGU online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The program was also named a “Center of Excellence in Nursing Education” by the National League of Nurses. All programmatic content is delivered online aside from the field experience where students are able to put into practice concepts learned in the classroom. Coursework includes advanced information management and the application of technology, facilitating learning in the 21st century, foundations of nursing education, and future directions in contemporary learning and education.
For more information: Western Governor’s University
#2 – University of Texas
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Edinburg, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,719
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MSN nursing education program for prospective students with bachelor’s degrees in nursing to obtain an advanced graduate degree designed to train them in becoming educators within a variety of academic and clinical settings. Coursework includes advanced pathophysiology, leadership policy and population health, practice intervention project, and theoretical foundations in nursing. Admission criteria include an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 minimum GPA, BSN or AND from an accredited program, completion of an undergraduate statistics course, and a personal statement. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Texas Rio Grande Valley #231 in national universities.
For more information: University of Texas
#1 – American Sentinel University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Aurora, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,480
American Sentinel University offers an online master’s in nursing education designed for RN-educated students to earn an advanced degree in nursing with a specialization in education. The 12-course ASU program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and consists of 36 credit hours. Admission criteria include resume or CV, unencumbered RN license, and 2.0 GPA from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or U.S. Department of Education. Classes within the program include advanced physical assessment, curriculum design and learning outcomes, distance education, organizational dynamics of higher education, and teaching to diverse learning styles. U.S. News recognizes American Sentinel in its cohort of best nursing schools: master’s.
For more information: American Sentinel University
BCO Staff
March 2018