Welcome to our ranking of the 30 most affordable top programs for an online MSN in nursing leadership, nursing management, or nursing administration.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earning potential for nurses significantly increases when a master's degree is earned. One of the highest paying nursing fields is administration or leadership. First-line nurse managers earn approximately $70,000 annually, while senior level nurse managers earn over $95,000 per year. Today, registered nurses do not have to leave their current career to go back to school. Online options are available.
Methodology
We reviewed approximately 96 nationally and/or regionally accredited institutions for our list. In fact, most of the schools we examined have received accreditation by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education that ensures the quality and integrity of nursing degree programs. We narrowed down the initial pool to schools ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, or U.S. News and World Report. We then chose the 30 most affordable of these institutions based on the graduate tuition rates from NCES College Navigator and listed them in order of affordability.
Below is our list of the 30 most affordable top-ranked schools for an online MSN in nursing leadership degree.
#30 – Vanderbilt University
Online MSN in Healthcare Leadership
Nashville, Tennessee
Vanderbilt's online MSN in healthcare leadership program is top-ranked.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,050
While not the most affordable online MSN in nurse leadership program on our list, Vanderbilt University is one of the highest ranked institutions by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. If the price tag is not a concern, the school's reputation may lure you in. Nursing programs at Vanderbilt are considered to be among the best of their kind. Online students take courses such as healthcare financial management, healthcare management of populations, leadership, management strategies for healthcare systems, and scientific underpinnings for advanced nursing practice. A management practicum is required of healthcare leadership degree candidates, which may be completed in the student's geographic location. Vanderbilt is ranked by U.S. News as the 15th best national university, and surprisingly, the 12th best value school. While the sticker price may be high, the school offers large financial aid packages and a solid return on investment. Also, the online graduate nursing programs at Vanderbilt rank #36 in the nation.
#29 – Drexel University
Online MSN – Leadership in Health Systems Management
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel offers an online MSN in leadership and health systems management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,519
Drexel University offers an accredited online MSN nursing leadership degree that emphasizes health systems management. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and classes are taught by board certified faculty from Drexel's awarded and acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions. Required online courses include advanced ethical decision making in healthcare, confronting issues in contemporary healthcare environments, leadership and stewardship in the health professions, and workforce management in healthcare organizations. Drexel is a top-ranked school, and its nursing programs are highly regarded. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 99th best national university and the 8th most innovative school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #42 in the country.
#28 – University of Pittsburgh
Online MSN in Nursing Administration or Clinical Nurse Leader
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The University of Pittsburgh offers an online MSN in leadership and management that's accredited and top-ranked.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,060
The University of Pittsburgh offers two nursing administration degrees that are comparable to the online MSN in leadership and management. Two concentration areas are available with the online MSN degree: clinical nurse leader and nursing administration. The clinical nurse leader (CNL) program is designed for professional nurses who desire leadership roles in nursing that improve quality patient care. Upon graduation, candidates are eligible to sit for the CNL certification examination. Required program courses include education and mentoring in the clinical setting, healthcare outcomes, healthcare promotion and disease prevention in diverse populations, organizational and management theory, and research for evidence-based practice. The University of Pittsburgh is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 66th best national university. Also, the institution's online graduate nursing program ranks #23 in the nation.
#27 – Excelsior College
Online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems
Albany, New York
The online MSN program at Excelsior is designed for working nurses.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,420
Excelsior College offers an accredited online MSN in nursing leadership degree program that emphasizes administration of healthcare systems. The program is designed for working nurses who desire to improve healthcare at an organizational level. Required online courses include emerging advanced practice roles and the art of nursing, healthcare delivery systems, issues in healthcare informatics, leadership in organizational systems, management of clinical systems, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. All nursing programs at Excelsior are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and the school has earned past recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#26 – Norwich University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Northfield, Vermont
Norwich University's online MSN in nursing administration requires one week-long residency.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,675
Students in search of an online MSN in leadership and management degree program may opt for the nursing administration track at Norwich University. The accredited online MSN degree is designed for nursing professionals who desire to work in administration or management. The nursing administration track covers topics in business planning and strategic management, nursing resource management, and the healthcare organization. While all classes are delivered online, the final requirement of the nursing program is a week-long residency on campus. Norwich is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 76th best regional university in the North. Also, the school's online graduate nursing programs rank #98 in the nation.
#25 – Saint Joseph's College
Online Master of Science in Nursing and Leadership with MBA
Standish, Maine
St. Joseph's College offers an accredited online MSN in nursing leadership with an MBA option.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,975
The unique and affordable online MSN in nursing leadership from Saint Joseph's College allows registered nurses to earn both an MSN and MBA in leadership. Upon successful completion of required courses and capstones, both graduate degrees are awarded at the same time. Required nursing courses include advanced health assessment, nursing informatics, nursing research methods, organizational and systems leadership, population health and interprofessional collaboration, and practicum in nursing administration. The required business courses include ethical and social responsibility, financial principles and policy, leadership, and strategic leadership in human capital. The institution is accredited, and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional college in the Midwest.
#24 – Benedictine University
Online MSN in Nurse Executive Leader
Lisle, Illinois
Ranked #64 in the country, Benedictine University's online MSN in nurse leadership focuses on preparing for executive nursing.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,695
Benedictine University offers an online MSN degree that is similar to the MSN in leadership and management. Students interested in leadership may choose the nurse executive leader (nurse administrator) concentration, which is designed to equip professional nurses with administration and executive knowledge and skills. Completing the concentration can also help prepare nurses for certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Required courses include advanced knowledge of healthcare systems, financial management and resource allocation in healthcare systems, nursing leadership and systems thinking, and professionalism and executive career development. The school's online graduate nursing programs are ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 64th best online program of its kind.
#23 – Mercy College
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Dobbs Ferry, New York
The online MSN in nursing administration at Mercy College is accredited and affordable.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,514
Mercy College offers an affordable online MSN in nursing administration degree program that is designed for professional nurses who want to embark on an administration career path. The program is designed to take approximately two years to complete, with flexible part-time or full-time options. Required courses include health policy, nursing and healthcare financing, nursing and healthcare management, philosophical foundations of nursing, and research perspectives and methods. Also, the program requires a written comprehensive capstone project and practicum. Mercy College's nursing programs are ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, both the on-campus and online graduate nursing programs have earned recognition in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#22 – Gonzaga University
Online MSN in Health Systems Leadership
Spokane, Washington
RNs are prepared for leadership roles in Gonzaga's online MSN program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,090
Gonzaga University offers an affordable online MSN in nurse leadership program that is designed to prepare registered nurses to assume administrative and leadership roles in various healthcare settings. Each semester students take two eight-week core classes, one after the other. Courses are delivered online and may include topics such as clinical prevention for diverse populations, contemporary healthcare environment, evidence-based practice for quality and safety, healthcare management, nursing leadership development, and quality and information management. Gonzaga is a top-ranked institution. In fact, the school is ranked #4 for best regional universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Gonzaga ranks as the 4th best value school, with the 103rd best online graduate nursing program in the country.
#21 – Saint Xavier University
Online MSN in Clinical Nurse Leader
Chicago, Illinois
St. Xavier offers an affordable clinical nurse leader online MSN degree program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,800
Saint Xavier University offers an online MSN in clinical leadership that may appeal to students who want to pursue careers in administration and nurse leadership. The nursing curriculum covers roles and strategies in healthcare coordination, evidence-based quality improvement, and health assessment. Required courses include healthcare systems and financing, philosophical and theoretical foundations of advanced nursing practice, and nursing inquiry. Once the program is completed, graduates may elect to take the CNL examination for national certification. St. Xavier is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 46th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing program ranks #3 in the nation.
#20 – University of Cincinnati
Online MSN
Cincinnati, Ohio
The online MSN from University of Cincinnati offers various specialties.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468
The University of Cincinnati offers four specialty areas that may appeal to students seeking MSN leadership and management online degrees. Depending on interests, students may pursue concentrations in adult-gero primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, or women's health nurse practitioner. All specialties include courses in leadership and provide the groundwork for careers in administration. Some of the required courses, depending on specialty areas, include conceptual frameworks for women's health, healthcare policy, research and best evidence for clinical reasoning, and theoretical basis for clinical reasoning. The University of Cincinnati is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 140th best national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #8 in the country.
#19 – Capella University
Online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Students gain 24-hour access to course materials through Capella's online MSN in nursing leadership program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $450 per credit (GuidedPath); $2,850 per 12-week billing session (FlexPath)
Students interested in finding accredited MSN leadership and management online programs may enjoy the flexibility that the nursing leadership and administration degree at Capella University offers. The online curriculum offers 24-hour access to courses and class materials and flexible practice immersion. This means that online students immediately apply what they were taught in the classroom to real world challenges faced in the nursing field. Required courses include Leadership and Management for Nurse Executives, Health Care Quality and Safety Management, Health Care Informatics and Technology, Advanced Finance and Operations Management, and Leading the Future of Health Care. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the MSN in nursing with administration specialization is accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
#18 – Roberts Wesleyan College
Online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration
Rochester, New York
Roberts Wesleyan College offers an affordable online MSN in nursing leadership and administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,566
Roberts Wesleyan College offers an affordable online MSN in nursing leadership and administration program that is designed for working RNs with a bachelor's degree who seek leadership roles in the healthcare system. The program is CCNE-accredited and takes approximately 20 months to complete. Required courses include accounting for managerial decision-making, advanced professional role development, healthcare finance, healthcare policy ethics and law, informatics in nursing, and theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice. To develop leadership expertise, students must participate in an integrated internship. The internship may take place in the student's geographic location. Roberts Wesleyan is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 83rd best regional university in the North.
#17 – Jacksonville University
Online MSN – Leadership in Healthcare Systems
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville University's accredited online MSN in nurse leadership focuses on the improvement of healthcare systems.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,960
Students in search of an affordable MSN leadership and management online degree program may choose the leadership in healthcare systems specialization offered at Jacksonville University. The online MSN program is accredited, with classes delivered 100% via distance education. Also, curriculum is designed to prepare students for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Nurse Executive, Advanced certification examination (NEA-BC). Required courses include financial management of nursing systems, human resource management in healthcare, information systems and technology for improved healthcare, nursing leadership and advanced roles, and quality and safety in healthcare. Jacksonville University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 65th best regional university in the South. The online graduate nursing programs rank #39 in the country.
#16 – Walden University
Online MSN in Leadership and Management
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The online MSN in leadership and management at Walden University prepares students for doctoral degree programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,609
Walden University offers an MSN in leadership and management online degree program that is designed to equip nurses with advanced competencies that move them into leadership roles and management positions. Three program tracks are available: BSN to MSN, RN to MSN, or RN to BSN to MSN. Required courses include foundations of nursing research, issues and trends in nursing, leadership in nursing and healthcare, managing human resources, strategic planning in healthcare organizations, and transforming nursing and healthcare through technology. All courses are taught online by instructors who hold doctoral degrees. In fact, the program website indicates that 100% of all online teaching faculty have earned doctoral degrees.
#15 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership
California, Pennsylvania
100% online! California University of Pennsylvania's MSN in nursing administration and leadership program is highly flexible.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,707
California University of Pennsylvania offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN in nursing administration and leadership degree program that is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles as administrators and healthcare leaders. The program is 100% online and features a 20-month program that is flexible and fully accredited. Required classes include health policy in nursing, legal aspects of healthcare administration, nursing administration and leadership role, nursing organization and leadership theory, and population health promotion and disease prevention. California University of Pennsylvania is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North. Also, the school's online graduate nursing programs have earned recognition.
#14 – Clarkson College
Online MSN in Nursing Health Care Administration
Omaha, Nebraska
Clarkson College offers an online MSN in nursing health care administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,044
One of the most affordable online MSN in nursing administration programs is found at Clarkson College. The program attracts registered nurses from across the nation with flexible online courses and leadership-minded curriculum. Required courses for the health care administration specialization include finance for health care leaders, health care economics, health care leadership, health care strategic planning and marketing, human resources and organizational behavior, and nursing health care leadership practicum. Clarkson College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #39 in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#13 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Marion, Indiana
Dual degree options! Indiana Wesleyan University offers online MSN in nursing administration with MBA programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,700
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an affordable online MSN in nursing administration degree program that is designed to be completed in just 22 months. There is also an option to complete a dual degree online in business administration and nursing. Dual degree candidates may earn an online MSN-MBA degree. The nursing administration specialty meets the competencies set by the American Organization of Nursing Executives. Required courses include ethics and health policy, introduction to professional development for advanced practice in nursing administration, management of healthcare delivery, nursing leadership and human resources, and organization and finance of healthcare. Indiana Wesleyan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 30th best regional university in the Midwest and the 12th best value school.
#12 – King University
Online MSN – Administrator
Bristol, Tennessee
King University's online MSN in nurse leadership degree focuses on administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,024
King University offers an accredited MSN administrator online program that is designed for registered nurses. RNs may complete their BSN and go on to earn an MSN degree through King's online program. The school offers two concentrations – nurse educator and nurse administrator. Both concentrations may be completed within five consecutive 15-week semesters. Required courses include healthcare informatics, research design in nursing, social and cultural perspectives on healthcare and delivery systems, and theoretical basis of nursing practice. King University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks #71 for the best regional university in the South and #51 for best colleges for veterans.
#11 – Eastern Kentucky University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University's online MSN in nursing administration is top-ranked.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Eastern Kentucky University offers an online MSN in nursing administration degree program that is designed to provide registered nurses with skills and knowledge necessary to work as nurse and healthcare administrators. The administration concentration covers topics in leadership, magnetism, and quality management. Required online courses include advanced nursing practice issues, assessment and collaboration, evidence-based project for administrative nurse professionals, nursing administration, and theoretical foundations. The program also prepares students for a post-MSN nursing administration certificate or post-MSN doctorate. Eastern Kentucky University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 76th best regional university in the South and the 35th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #18 in the country.
#10 – Ball State University
Online MSN – Nurse Administrator
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University's online MSN in nurse administration is top-ranked and affordable.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,904
Ball State University offers an affordable online MSN in nursing leadership that focuses on nurse administration. Registered nurses with the desire to become administrators can earn an online MSN with nurse administrator concentration. Require nursing core courses include nursing concepts in health promotion, nursing information technology, and nursing theory. Administration role courses include administrative management for nurses, financial management for nurses, managing organizational behavior, nursing administration in complex organizations, and survey of marketing. Ball State is nationally ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 168th best national university and the 91st top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing program ranks #23 in the country.
#9 – University of Texas
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Arlington, Texas
UT at Arlington's online MSN in nursing administration is CCNE-accredited.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,517
The University of Texas offers an accredited online master's of nursing degree that focuses on preparing students to become nurse administrators. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with course content delivered online and through supervised clinical experiences. Required courses include financial management in nursing, management of nursing operations, nursing leadership and complex healthcare systems, nursing management in the healthcare environment, and principles of research in nursing. UT at Arlington is a nationally and globally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 427th best global university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank 54th in the country.
#8 – Liberty University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Lynchburg, Virginia
Ranked #88 in the country! Liberty University's online MSN in nursing administration is a top nursing program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
Liberty University's MSN in nursing administration online degree program is designed to prepare students who already have a BSN for career advancement in nursing management and leadership. The program combines a Christian worldview and ethical decision-making to the content covered in advanced nursing practice. Online courses include health policy and ethics, management population health, nursing administration, nursing theory and advanced practice, and systems management and leadership for nurse leaders. Liberty is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 80th best regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #88 in the nation.
#7 – Lamar University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Beaumont, Texas
Lamar University offers an ACEN-accredited online MSN in nursing administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,898
The affordable MSN in nursing administration online program from Lamar University is ACEN-accredited and focuses on preparing students for health care leadership positions. Students interested in pursuing upper management and administrative roles in healthcare settings may choose this specialty degree. Courses are delivered online and include topics in financial accounting, healthcare policy and finance, healthcare technology for nurse administrators, nursing research, and planning and organization of healthcare delivery. Lamar University is nationally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school's online graduate nursing programs rank #79 in the nation.
#6 – University of Colorado
MS in Nursing Leadership Online
Denver, Colorado
Earn an accredited MS in nursing leadership online at the University of Colorado.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,804
The University of Colorado offers an online MS in nursing leadership and healthcare systems degree program that is designed to prepare nurses for management, leadership, and administration. Required courses include decision support and data management, health systems and policy, research methods for advanced practice, and theory in nursing. The program is flexibly designed with access to students living in rural Colorado and across the country. UC-Denver is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #199 for best national universities. Also, in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school is ranked as the 194th best global university and the 116th top public school.
#5 – Gardner-Webb University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Ranked #64 in the nation! Gardner Webb University offers an online MSN in nursing administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,430
The accredited online MSN in nursing administration program is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in hospitals and healthcare organizations. The nursing administration track requires 30 to 36 semester hours of graduate credits that are delivered entirely online. There is also an opportunity for nursing students to earn a dual degree in nursing and business administration, graduating with an MSN and MBA. Gardner-Webb is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 41st best regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #64 in the nation.
#4 – Western Governors University
Online MSN in Leadership and Management
Salt Lake City, Utah
Western Governors University offers an online MSN in leadership and management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790
Western Governors University's MSN in leadership and management online program is designed for nursing professionals who want to improve their leadership skillset. Only registered nurses who possess a BSN, have a current RN license, and/or want to move into nurse administration are eligible for the program. According to the program website, students can expect to spend 15 or more hours per week on their studies. Required courses include essentials of advanced nursing practice, organizational leadership and interprofessional team development, principles of healthcare business and financial management, and strategic leadership and future delivery models. Aside from classes, students are also required to complete a 40-hour practicum.
#3 – University of Texas
Nursing Administration MSN Online
Tyler, Texas
University of Texas offers an online MSN in nursing administration that is considered one of the most affordable programs of its kind.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,142
The University of Texas at Tyler offers an affordable online MSN in nursing administration degree program that is designed for nurses who want to pursue leadership and executive leadership roles in healthcare facilities. The program is entirely online and allows students to work at their own pace while balancing life obligations. Part-time and full-time options are available. Course requirements include delivery of care, healthcare informatics, health policy and population health, leadership in healthcare, and translational science. UT Texas – Tyler is ranked by major publications like Forbes and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 73rd best regional university in the West and the 27th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #7 in the country.
#2 – New Mexico State University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Las Cruces, New Mexico
The online graduate nursing programs at New Mexico State University include the highly affordable online MSN in nurse administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,941
New Mexico State University's online MSN in nursing administration degree is open to nurses who hold an RN license and BSN. The program is designed to prepare nurses for administrative careers or a future doctoral education. While the program is 100% online, students are required to attend a 3- to 4- day orientation once per year. Typical required courses include fiscal management, health policy, informatics, nurse leadership, promoting health behavior, research in nursing, and theory. New Mexico State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 199th best national university and the 116th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #75 in the nation.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Hays, Kansas
Fort Hays State University offers the most affordable online MSN program in nursing leadership on our list.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,853
Fort Hays State University offers a cheap online MSN in nursing administration that is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is designed to prepare nurses who want to take on leadership roles in healthcare agencies. Required courses include administrative management in healthcare organizations, advanced foundations for nursing practice, complexity in healthcare organization, evidence-based practice, and research in nursing. Fort Hays is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks it among the best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #95 in the country. Fort Hays State's affordable tuition makes it our #1 pick for the top online MSN degree programs in nursing leadership.
This concludes our ranking of the 30 most affordable top programs for an online MSN in nursing leadership, nursing management, or nursing administration.