Top 30 Great Value Colleges for a Master of Science in Nursing Online

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The letters TLC have long been associated with the nursing profession, because nurses are known for giving tender, loving care to their patients. If you are a nurse who desires to improve your caring skills, earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing is your next logical step. With an MSN, you can opt for nursing education or nursing administration, or you can choose a career in a specialty, such as children’s health or cardiology. The jobs growth outlook for applicants with an MSN is predicted to be 26% over the next several years, which is significantly higher than the US average. An RN earning $64,000 can expect to receive, on average, $86,000 with an MSN.

Online colleges and universities are an exceptional fit for those who want to earn a higher degree, because classwork may be done at one’s own pace while fulfilling day-to-day responsibilities. You can earn your Master’s of Science in Nursing without the hassle of traffic going to and from a college or university. The diploma you receive will be exactly the same as the ones given to students in a traditional school. Many schools offer discount tuition rates to out of state online students, so check for this feature, as well as for technology centers that have after-graduation resources and are available 24/7.

In compiling this list of 30 great value colleges for a Master’s of Science in Nursing, we used the information found here.

#30 – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, Florida

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 9,619
Tuition: $22,108

Florida A&M University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is the fifth largest HBCU in the country. With a commendable student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers a 42 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that has an adult/gerontology track. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $732 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#29 – Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 21,625
Tuition: $18,373

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University was established in the Sunshine State in 1964. The school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 51-52 credit hour program with coursework including transition to advanced nursing practice and theory and research. Nova Southeastern University charges $710 per credit hour for this online, graduate program that maintains a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1. The school receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#28 – Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 30,541
Tuition: $16,695

Florida Atlantic University

With the Owl as their mascot, Florida Atlantic University opened in 1964. The school offers a 37-39 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree program, which achieves a student to faculty ratio of 24 to 1 and includes coursework in nursing administration and human resource management. Florida Atlantic University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $1,024.81 for each credit hour. The school is awarded accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#27 – East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 28,962
Tuition: $17,898

East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public research institution of higher learning that was established in 1907. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 37-43 credit hour program. Nursing research and theory-based interventions are two of the available courses. For each online, out of state, graduate credit hour, East Carolina University charges $877.35. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#26 – McNeese State University

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 7,621
Tuition: $13,477

McNeese State University

McNeese State University is a regional public institution of higher learning located in the Pelican State. The school offers a 40 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree, nursing educator concentration, that maintains a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1 and includes coursework in generating evidence for nursing practice and teaching methodologies. McNeese State University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $5,144.30 for the first four credit hours and $815.95 for each additional credit hour. The school is awarded accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#25 – East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 14,022
Tuition: $22,248

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University is the fourth largest university in the Volunteer State. With a commendable student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school has an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 46 credit hour program with coursework in healthcare policy and health assessment. The tuition rate for this 46 credit hour, online, graduate program is $666 for each credit hour, without regard to residency. East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#24 – University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Master of Science in Nursing Online

School Profile
Points: 11
Enrollment: 14,648
Tuition: $19,184

University of North Dakota

Founded in 1883, six years before North Dakota became a state, the University of North Dakota offers a 57-59 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that includes coursework in evidence for practice and essentials of epidemiology. Regardless of the student’s residency, the University of North Dakota asks for $422.89 per online, graduate credit hour for this program that maintains a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. The school receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#23 – University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, Louisiana

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 9,038
Tuition: $18,590

University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe was founded in 1931, and the school mascot is Ace the Warhawk. With a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 38 credit hour program. Coursework includes advanced nursing theory and health policy. The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $365.79 for each credit hour for this program, regardless of the student’s residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#22 – Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Points: 11
Enrollment: 10,805
Tuition: $14,842

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University is the fifth-oldest, four-year institution of higher learning in the Tarheel State. The school offers a 38-52 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that achieves a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1. The program includes coursework in advanced practice nursing and organization in health care. Western Carolina University charges $756.52 for each online, out of state, graduate credit hour. The school is awarded accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#21 – New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 11
Enrollment: 14,852
Tuition: $14,254

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University was established in 1888. With a commendable student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 36 credit hour program with coursework in nursing fiscal management and promoting health behavior. For each online, out of state, graduate credit hour, New Mexico State University charges $897.90. The school receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#20 – University of Colorado at Denver

Denver, Colorado

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 23,960
Tuition: $22,374

University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado at Denver is a public research institution of higher learning that was founded in 1912. Boasting a commendable student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers a 34 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that includes coursework in health systems and research methods. The University of Colorado at Denver asks for an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $635 for each credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#19 – University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 27,194
Tuition: $18,842

University of Arkansas

As the flagship institution of higher learning for the Diamond State, the University of Arkansas has an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 39-42 credit hour program. Coursework includes nursing theory and advanced health assessment. Regardless of the student’s residency, the University of Arkansas offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $560 for each credit hour for this program, which maintains a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#18 – Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 84,289
Tuition: $6,500

Western Governors University

Western Governors University allows you to move through coursework that you know at a more rapid pace which can allow you to finish your degree sooner, which will save you money as well as time. The school offers a 36-course, online master of science in nursing degree while keeping a student to faculty ratio of 41 to 1. Coursework includes global health trends and professional presence. Full-time, graduate tuition per semester per six-month term is $3,190. Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#17 – Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Points: 13
Enrollment: 12,916
Tuition: $20,870

Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s school motto translates from the Latin as, “The Truth Will Set You Free.” Boasting a laudable 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio, the school offers a 43 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree with coursework in rethinking nursing education and human pathophysiology. The online, out of state, graduate charge for Idaho State University’s program is $687 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#16 – Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points:13
Enrollment: 30,361
Tuition: $17,915

Northern Arizona University

Located at the base of the San Francisco peaks in the Grand Canyon State, Northern Arizona University has an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 30 credit hour program claiming a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. Coursework covers such subjects as evidence-based practice and rural theory of care. Northern Arizona University offers an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $583 for each credit hour. The school is awarded accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#15 – Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, Louisiana

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 6,255
Tuition: $16,617

Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University has a 49-52 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree with three concentrations, including psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. Diagnostic reasoning and applied statistics for health sciences are two of the degree’s available courses. Achieving a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the program asks for $412.13 for each online, graduate credit hour without regard to the student’s residency. Nicholls State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#14 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 9,819
Tuition: $16,526

Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University of Louisiana, established in 1884, was the first in the state to offer a master’s degree in nursing. Maintaining a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school’s 39 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree has three available tracks: nurse practitioner, education, and administration. Regardless of the student’s residency, Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $475 for each credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#13 – Excelsior College

Albany, New York

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 41,658
Tuition: $15,480

Excelsior College

Excelsior College espouses the philosophy that “What you know is more important than where you learned it.” Boasting a commendable student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school has an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 38 credit hour program. Coursework covers subjects such as theoretical foundations of nursing practice and population health. The school asks for $645 for each online, graduate credit hour, regardless of residency. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#12 – Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 16,881
Tuition: $15,390

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is a comprehensive regional institution of higher learning founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906. The school has a 46 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that maintains a laudable 16 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Coursework includes health assessment and nursing research. Without regard to the student’s residency, Eastern Kentucky University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $662 for each credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#11 – Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 13
Enrollment: 13,565
Tuition: $13,986

Indiana State University

Indiana State University began life as a “normal school,” or teachers college in 1865. Claiming a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 47-50 credit hour program with coursework in cultural competence and disease prevention. Indiana State University asks for $513 for each online, out of state credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#10 – Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 14
Enrollment: 5,892
Tuition: $17,168

Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a Roman Catholic institution of higher learning that was founded in 1887. The school offers a 36-39 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that includes coursework in health promotion and safety in healthcare systems while it achieves a highly laudable 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Benedictine University requires an online, graduate tuition rate of $650 for each credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#9 – South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 14
Enrollment: 12,600
Tuition: $14,449

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is the National Leader among the six Sun-Grant Universities. The school has an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 39 credit hour program, boasting a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1. Assessment across the lifespan and cultural competence in healthcare are two of the available courses. The cost for each online, graduate credit hour is $444.25. South Dakota State University receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#8 – Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Points: 14
Enrollment: 15,001
Tuition: $13,392

Lamar University

Lamar University’s school motto is “Living the Legacy, Inventing the Future.” Maintaining a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 37 credit hour program. Coursework includes advanced pharmacology and nursing research. For this program, regardless of the student’s residency, Lamar University asks for an online, graduate tuition rate of $288 for each credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#7 – Troy University

Troy, Alabama

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 17,855
Tuition: $14,292

Troy University

Troy University went by the name Troy State University until 2005, when they set their sights on becoming a global name in education. Boasting a laudable student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school has a 47 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that includes coursework in advanced health assessment and pharmacology. Troy University requires $494 for each online, graduate credit hour, regardless of the student’s residency. The school is awarded accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#6 – Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 12,489
Tuition: $12,024

Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is a public liberal arts institution of higher learning that was established in 1972. The school offers a 36 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree. Coursework covers such subjects as health policy and nursing informatics. For this program, which maintains a commendable 15 to 1 student to faculty ratio, the school asks for $668 for each online, graduate credit hour. Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#5 – Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 75,834
Tuition: $9,737

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University was established in 1949, and the school mascot is Thunder the Antelope. Claiming a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing with an emphasis in Nursing Informatics degree that is a 36 credit hour program with coursework in healthcare research analysis and healthcare innovation. Grand Canyon University requires $500 per online, graduate credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#4 – Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 14,658
Tuition: $9,676

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University’s school motto is “Forward Thinking, World Ready.” The school has a 36 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that includes coursework in advanced pathophysiology and developing nursing theories. For this program that maintains a commendable 16 to 1 student to faculty ratio, the school asks for $280.73 for each online, graduate credit hour, without regard to the student’s residency. Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#3 – Frostburg State University

Frostburg, Maryland

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Points: 16
Enrollment: 5,676
Tuition: $9,108

Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University is a public institution of higher learning that was founded in 1898. Boasting a laudable student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in nursing degree that is a 35 credit hour program with coursework in nursing informatics and systematic analysis. Frostburg State University offers an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $547 for each credit hour. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#2 – Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Website
Points: 16
Enrollment: 75,756
Tuition: $8,051

Liberty University

Liberty University was founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell in 1971. Claiming a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school has a 42 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that comes with three available specializations: nursing administration, nurse educator, and nursing informatics. With military discounts available, the school offers an online, graduate rate of $605 per credit hour. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#1 – Delta State University

Cleveland, Mississippi

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Points: 17
Enrollment: 3,584
Tuition: $6,739

Delta State University

Delta State University is one of eight publicly funded universities in the Magnolia State. The school offers a 44-49 credit hour, online master of science in nursing degree that boasts a highly laudable student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. Students may choose from three available specializations: nurse administrator, nurse educator, or nurse practitioner. Delta State University asks for $374.50 per online, graduate credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

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