Can you get an MSN without being an RN?

You can certainly earn an MSN without being a registered nurse. To accomplish this, you'll have to enroll in a direct-entry or bridge MSN program designed for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

How long does it take to be a nurse anesthetist?

To become a nurse anesthetist, you must undergo a highly competitive and specialized process that requires 7-10 years of training and at least 9,000 hours of clinical experience. This includes earning a bachelor's, gaining at least one to two years of critical care experience as a registered nurse (RN), and completing a rigorous nurse anesthesia program. Most nurse anesthesia programs now award a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP), replacing most MSN pathways for this specialty.

What GPA is needed for a Master of Science in Nursing?

Many master's in nursing programs require a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale. However, some programs accept 2.8 or 2.75. So the GPA needed for entry into an MSN program varies slightly depending on where you apply.

Best Affordable Online MSN Programs of 2025

Discover the cheapest online MSN programs. Learn about program length, cost, and potential careers.

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Updated December 20, 2024

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Nurses work in every part of healthcare to improve patients’ lives. With a master of science in nursing (MSN), you can pursue advanced roles that pay well, like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife.

After earning your MSN, you could also pursue a doctorate in nursing and go on to teach future nurses, specialize in an area of interest, or lead research projects.

Master’s programs can be expensive, though. Explore this page to find the cheapest MSN programs for registered nurses.

Online MSN Highlights

Most (98%) online nursing and healthcare students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
Of these respondents, 95% say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
84% also say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Part-time and online/hybrid students generally favor the same factors as full-time and on-campus students in their college choice.

Source: BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report

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In this Article

Top MSN Online Programs

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,844

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

19%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,020

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,360

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

32,496

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,020

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,360

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

32,496

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,695

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,665

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,665

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,759

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$8,108

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,798

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,995

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

13,705

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,108

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,798

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,108

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,798

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

36%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,995

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

13,705

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,961

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$7,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,224

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

5,190

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,550

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,550

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,224

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

5,190

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,937

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,582

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

17,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,937

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,937

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,582

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

17,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,860

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

25,865

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,860

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

25,865

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$10,480

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,552

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

9,902

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,480

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,420

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,480

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,420

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,552

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

9,902

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,944

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why You Should Get an MSN

Ability to Specialize: In a master’s in nursing program, you can specialize in a specific area of nursing that interests you, such as education, leadership, or advanced practice (nurse practitioner).
Leadership Opportunities: Having an MSN can increase your opportunity for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
Pay Increase: By enabling you to pursue more advanced roles, an MSN can boost your earning potential.
Teaching Opportunities: With an MSN, you can work as a nurse educator at universities, healthcare facilities, and businesses.
Job Security: An MSN can raise your employability in a stable but competitive healthcare job market.

Benefits of Getting an MSN Online

93% of all students say their online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
97% of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
81% of student respondents say that online learning is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation — and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.

Source: BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report

Curious what courses you’ll take online? Check out our complete nursing guide

How to Choose the Best Affordable Online MSN Program for You

Before you apply to an online MSN program, consider factors like cost, program length, and accreditation. This way you can ensure the program is worth it for you. Be sure to research programs carefully before applying, as they may not offer a specialty that aligns with your interests.

How Much Does an Online MSN Cost?

Cost of Online Healthcare Master’s Degree, 2019-2020

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$11,229

Avg. Net Price

$9,621

Source: NCES PowerStats

The average tuition and fees of an online healthcare master’s degree — which includes MSN degrees — was just over $11,000 in 2019-2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The average net price — the cost after financial aid is applied — was around $9,600.

This reduction shows just how much financial aid can help offset the cost of your MSN program. Note, however, that these numbers are averages — the actual cost of your program will depend on the location, program length, and type of school (whether public or private).

Be sure to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re enrolled in graduate school to offset some of these costs through grants and scholarships.

Find Financial Aid for Your MSN

Nursing Scholarships

How Can I Pay for My MSN?

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students

How Long Does It Take to Get an MSN?

Typical # of Credits

40 Credits

Typical Program Length

2 Years

Online master’s in nursing programs typically take two years to complete. You’ll need to earn around 40 credits to graduate.

You can save time and money by enrolling in an accelerated program, transferring college credits, and earning credit for experience to reduce the amount of time you’ll have to spend in your MSN program.

If you’re employed, try looking into tuition reimbursement.

MSN Application Requirements

A current RN license
Application and fee
Letters of recommendation
Official transcripts from previous institutions
Resume or CV
Personal statement
Background check and drug screen
Interview

Accreditation for MSN Programs

As you explore online MSN programs, be on the lookout for accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

These agencies provide programmatic accreditation for master’s in nursing programs.

Programmatic accreditation mostly applies to professional pathways and career-focused programs, such as nursing. This type of accreditation ensures the program can provide a quality education that prepares you for the field.

Ask an Expert: How Important Is Nursing Accreditation?

“Accreditation shows that the school and its curriculum meet rigorous curriculum standards, no matter where you study. This means that wherever you get your education, you are learning similar content as your peers.”

―Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed, RN-BC

What Can You Do With an MSN?

After you earn your master’s degree in nursing, you’ll be qualified for advanced roles that are key to providing specialized care. These roles include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner.

“Many nurses with an MSN are nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists [or] take on leadership roles like director of nursing or chief nursing officer,” says Brandi Jones, a nurse educator with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), specialized nurses with MSNs earned well above the national median wage for all jobs ($48,060).

Popular Master’s in Nursing Jobs
Job	2023 Median Annual Salary	Description
Nurse Anesthetist	$212,650	Provides anesthesia care to patients in healthcare settings.
Nurse Midwife	$129,650	Coordinates the birthing process and treats female production issues.
Nurse Practitioner	$126,260	Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic illnesses.

Source: BLS

Learn More About Nursing Jobs

Highest-Paying Nursing Careers

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Nursing Careers

Is an MSN Worth It?

Nurses earn above-average salaries, which can make pursuing an MSN worth it. The mean starting salary for 2023 master’s in nursing graduates was $94,160 per year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

An MSN can lead to advanced roles that pay even more. According to the BLS, nurse anesthetists earned a median salary of $212,650 in 2023.

The BLS projects jobs for advanced practice registered nurses will grow 40% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average 4% growth rate across all jobs.

Still, there’s more to consider than just money and job growth. The flexibility of online learning can be a big advantage for busy adult online learners. Online master’s in nursing programs cater to working nurses, which can make an MSN a great choice if you want career advancement without taking a work break.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to consider the financial and time investments involved in an MSN. Even the cheapest online master’s program will likely cost at least $10,000 and take two years to complete as a full-time student.

Education Beyond an MSN

After you complete your master’s in nursing program, you can apply for doctoral programs in nursing.

A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. in nursing program can prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare administration, academic research, and advanced clinical practice.

Nurses with doctorates can earn higher salaries than MSN-holders. With a doctorate, you’ll have access to advanced roles like chief nursing officer, nurse researcher, professor, and dean of a nursing school.

An advanced degree can broaden your career options and increase your impact by enabling you to work in policy advocacy and healthcare innovation.

Reasons to Pursue a Career in Nursing

Online Nursing Doctorate Program Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Degrees

A BSN is an undergraduate degree, while an MSN is a graduate degree that builds on the foundation of a BSN, focusing on advanced assessment, pharmacology, leadership, or education principles. Where a BSN opens doors to a range of nursing roles, many advanced roles require an MSN or higher.