Top 30 Affordable Online Master’s in Nurse Administration Degrees 2017-2018

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In this article, we list the top 30 affordable online master's in nurse administration degree programs for 2017-2018.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth for nurse administrators is expected to increase. In fact, the publication indicates a 17 percent growth in employment for medical, health, and nursing administration jobs through the year 2024. To accommodate job growth and meet the demand for these occupations, universities and colleges are offering online master's in nurse administration degree programs. These flexible programs allow students to continue gaining valuable work experience while earning a graduate nursing degree.

We reviewed 96 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master's in nurse administration or closely related degree programs. We retained those institutions with national or regional rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine or U.S. News and World Report and listed the 30 most affordable. The most recent in-state graduate tuition rates were taken from NCES College Navigator.

Below are the resulting selections for our top 30 affordable online master's in nurse administration degrees for 2017-2018.

#30 – University of Pittsburgh

Online Master's in Nursing – Clinical Leader

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,060

University of Pittsburgh offers an accredited online master's in nursing with clinical leader concentration that replaced the nursing administration online program. The CNL online nursing degree is designed to prepare nurses to become effective leaders in all areas of healthcare service and patient safety. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Courses include applied statistics for evidence-based practice, ethics for advanced practice nursing, leadership development, organizational and management theory, and research for evidence-based practice. Admission to the program is competitive and requires a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and current license. The GRE may be waived if a student shows a GPA of 3.5 or above. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school's online graduate nursing programs #12 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#29 – Excelsior College

Online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration

Albany, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,420

The online master's in nurse administration program at Excelsior College is designed for working nurses with a desire to improve care at the organizational level. Online classes provide flexible options for working nurses to complete their education without stepping away from daytime responsibilities. Courses are taught by faculty with professional experience and are designed to provide students with easy access to relationship building among peers and instructors. Courses include budgets and funding, information management, interdisciplinary healthcare teams, new healthcare technologies, and supportive work environments. Excelsior is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

#28 – Pennsylvania State University

Online MSN in Nurse Administrator

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,832

Pennsylvania State University's online master's in nursing administration degree is designed for working nurses who desire administrative and leadership roles within various healthcare settings. This 37-credit program is offered completely online with classes taught by the same university professors who teach at the Penn State campus. Courses include healthcare economics and policy for nurse administrators, healthcare informatics, human resource and workforce issues for nurse administrators, and leadership concepts and theories for nurse administrators. Admission requires official transcripts, references, and a personal statement. No GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission. Penn State is a top-ranked national university and the graduate nursing schools are ranked #40 in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

#27 – Norwich University

Online Master's (MSN) in Nursing Administration

Northfield, Vermont

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,675

Norwich University's nursing administration master's degree programs may be completed in just 18 to 24 months from the time you enroll. The online MSN with nursing administration track is for professional nurses with a desire to work in leadership and administration within various healthcare settings. All courses are delivered online and include business planning and strategic management in nursing administration, nursing resource management, and the healthcare organization. Norwich is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 80th best regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate nursing programs have earned recognition.

#26 – Saint Joseph's College

Online Master's in Nursing and Leadership – MBA

Standish, Maine

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,975

Saint Joseph's College offers a unique online master's in nurse administration type degree that incorporates nursing and business courses. Successful completion of the program earns an MSN in nursing leadership and an MBA. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Nursing administration courses include advanced health assessment, organizational and systems leadership, and population health and inter-professional collaboration. Online business courses include financial principles and policy, knowledge-based decision-making, quality leadership, and strategic leadership of human capital. St. Joseph's is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 137th best regional university in the North.

#25 – Benedictine University

Online MSN in Nurse Executive Leader

Lisle, Illinois

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,695

Benedictine University offers an accredited online master's degree in nursing administration with a nurse executive leader concentration for nurses aspiring to reach management and high-level nursing administrative roles. While earning an MSN degree, students take 18 additional semester hours of courses in the concentration. These courses include advanced knowledge of healthcare systems, building effective communication and relationships, evidence-based nursing practice, financial management and resource allocation in healthcare systems, and nursing leadership and systems thinking. Benedictine is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 220th best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #73 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.

#24 – Gonzaga University

Online Master's in Nursing – Health Systems Leadership

Spokane, Washington

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,090

Gonzaga University offers an affordable online master's in nursing administration degree program that serves as the first step toward career advancement for nurses. While the school prefers a bachelor's in nursing degree prior to admission, it is not required. Students without a BSN may need to take additional foundational courses before enrolling in some of the master's level classes. All classes are delivered online and taught by seasoned professors with real-world experience. These classes include 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 regional university. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #4 among the best regional universities in the West and 13th best value school. Also, the graduate online nursing programs rank #94 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#23 – Saint Xavier University

Online MSN in Clinical Leadership

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,800

One of the top nursing administration master's degree programs on our list is the clinical leadership MSN at Saint Xavier University. This accredited program is ideal for working nurses who want to continue their work in patient care while creating and implementing comprehensive care plans. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. These courses include advanced health assessment, clinical leader roles, epidemiology and population-based healthcare, healthcare systems and financing, information technology and healthcare outcomes, and philosophical and theoretical foundations of advanced nursing practice. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best regional university in the Midwest and 9th best value school. Also, U.S. News ranks the online graduate nursing programs #1 out of more than 1,200 similar programs.

#22 – Roberts Wesleyan College

Online MS in Nursing Leadership and Administration

Rochester, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,566

Roberts Wesleyan College's online master's in nurse administration is a 39-credit program that is accredited with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is ideal for working nurses with aspirations of assuming leadership and management roles in various healthcare settings. All courses are delivered online, and the program is designed to be completed in just 20 months. Courses include accounting for managerial decision making, healthcare finance, healthcare policy ethics and law, informatics in nursing, and nurse leader and educational responsibilities. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 101st best among regional universities in the North, and the online graduate nursing programs rank 76th in the nation.

#21 – Jacksonville University

Online MSN in Leadership and Healthcare Systems

Jacksonville, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,960

One of the more affordable online nursing administration master's degree programs on our list is the MSN in Leadership and Healthcare Systems degree offered by Jacksonville University. This 100% online program is designed for working nurses with a passion towards patient care. A total of ten classes are required, with each class designed to be completed in eight weeks. The entire program takes approximately two years to complete. Courses include financial management of nursing systems, human resource management in healthcare, nursing leadership and the healthcare system, and quality and safety in healthcare. Admission to the program requires a current RN license, a BSN from an accredited institution, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Jacksonville is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #73 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#20 – Walden University

Online MSN in Leadership and Management

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,609

Walden University's online master's degree in nursing administration program offers a specialization designed to leverage nurses to gain advanced competencies needed to move into leadership and management roles. This CCNE-accredited program is offered entirely online with classes taught by experienced professors. Several degree tracks are available, including the BSN to MSN, RN to MSN, and RN to BSN to MSN. Online courses include finance and economics in healthcare delivery, healthcare systems and quality outcomes, leadership in nursing and healthcare, managing human resources, and strategic planning in healthcare organizations. Walden is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#19 – California University of Pennsylvania

Online MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership

California, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,707

California University of Pennsylvania is a nursing administration master's degree online program designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles in leadership and administration. This 20-month program offers online courses that are conveniently scheduled with working students in mind. Courses are taught by university professors and are limited to 35 students per class. Admission requires an earned BSN with GPA of 3.00 or higher, official transcripts, an unencumbered RN license, and completed application. Required courses include financial management in non-profit healthcare organizations, health policy in nursing, information systems for nurses in healthcare organizations, nursing administration and leadership role, nursing organization and leadership theory, and theory and research in nursing. According to the most recent edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school's online graduate nursing programs #104 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#18 – Old Dominion University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Administrator

Norfolk, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,136

Old Dominion University's online nursing administration master's degree programs include the nurse administrator MSN degree that is designed for working nurses with leadership aspirations. A total of 36 credit hours are required and a clinical practicum may be completed at a student-chosen physical location. All classes are delivered online and taught by university professors who regularly teach on campus. Old Dominion is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university and its programs. In the most recent edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News ranks Old Dominion as the 210th best national university and the 118th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs, including nurse administration, are ranked #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#17 – Regis University

Online MS in Nursing Leadership with Management Focus

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800

One of the most affordable nursing administration master's degree online on our list is the MSN Leadership in Health Care Systems with management focus at Regis University. This accredited graduate nursing program may be completed entirely online or in hybrid format. The majority of classes are offered in eight-week terms, and the program may be completed in seven semesters if enrolled full-time. Part-time completion options are also available. Courses include advanced financial management for nursing leaders, advanced management principles and practice, informatics, leadership in healthcare systems, and teaching and learning strategies in healthcare. Regis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West.

#16 – Clarkson College

Online MSN – Nursing Health Care Administration

Omaha, Nebraska

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,044

The online master's degree in nursing administration program from Clarkson College is designed for registered nurses who want a rigorous academic and convenient online program. Courses are delivered entirely online and include a total of 42 semester hours of classes and a final research project. Online courses include finance for healthcare leaders, healthcare economics, healthcare leadership, healthcare strategic planning and marketing, human resources and organizational behavior, and nursing healthcare leadership. All but nine hours in the core courses must be completed at Clarkson. The school is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online graduate nursing programs rank #39 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#15 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Online Master's in Nursing Administration

Marion, Indiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,700

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an accredited online master's in nursing administration program that is designed to prepare students to serve as leaders of various healthcare settings. Courses are delivered online and students may complete their coursework in an accelerated format. All curricula ascribes to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Courses include ethics and health policy, evidence based practice in nursing administration, management of healthcare delivery systems, nursing leadership and human resources, professional role development for the nurse administrator, and utilization of research for evidence based practice. Indiana Wesleyan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best regional university in the Midwest.

#14 – King University

Online MSN – Administrator

Bristol, Tennessee

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,024

King University's online master's in nurse administration degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and takes approximately 20-32 months to complete. The nurse administrator concentration can be completed within approximately five consecutive 15-week semesters. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Required classes include continuous quality improvement and outcomes management, financial and accounting issues for nurse managers, transformational strategies, and visionary leadership in nursing. King University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best regional university in the South.

#13 – Eastern Kentucky University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nursing Administration

Richmond, Kentucky

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

One of the most affordable online nursing administration master's degree programs on our list is offered by Eastern Kentucky University. Designed for working nurses, courses are delivered entirely online and taught by university professors. In fact, the online program mirrors the nursing administration program on-campus. Required courses include advanced nursing practices, evidence-based project for ANP, management of healthcare, nursing resource management, and nursing system quality management. While successful completion of the program earns an MSN degree, preparation for entry into a Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN-DNP) degree is also offered. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 79th best regional university in the South and 29th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #39 out of more than 1,200 programs.

#12 – Ball State University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Administrator

Muncie, Indiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,904

Ball State University offers an accredited online master's degree in nursing administration program that requires the completion of online coursework and 180 practicum hours in an approved healthcare environment. All coursework may be completed online and includes 19 credit hours of nursing administration role classes. Required courses include administrative management for nurses, financial management for nurses, managing organizational behavior, nursing administration in complex organizations, and survey of marketing. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, a 3.0 GPA or better, and an unencumbered RN license. While the program is offered entirely online, a one day, on-campus orientation is required if admitted. Ball State's online graduate nursing programs are ranked #13 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.

#11 – Liberty University

Online MSN in Nursing Administration

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000

Liberty University's online master's in nursing administration degree program is for nurses with a BSN and the desire to seek employment as part of a nursing leadership team. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. A total of 42 credit hours are required, with up to 15 credit hours that can be transferred into Liberty. Courses include contemporary issues in human resource management, financial and resource management for nurse leaders, nursing administration organizational leadership and management, organizational design and structure, and systems management and leadership for nurse leaders. Liberty is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #87 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#10 – Lamar University

Online MSN in Nursing Administration

Beaumont, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,898

One of the most affordable nursing administration master's degree programs on our list is the online MSN in nursing administration from Lamar University. This advanced nursing degree is designed for employed nurses who want to gain the skills needed to pursue upper-management and leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings like hospitals or medical centers. All classes are delivered online and taught by university professors. Courses include advanced nursing issues, direct and control healthcare delivery, financial accounting, nursing research, planning and organizational healthcare delivery, and theoretical foundations in advanced nursing. Courses are generally fifteen weeks in length, and part-time progression options are available. Lamar is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university, and the online graduate nursing programs rank #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#9 – University of Colorado

Online Master's in Nursing Leadership

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,804

University of Colorado's nursing administration master's degree online program is designed to foster leadership and decision-making skills for nurses. The program emphasizes nursing leadership and healthcare systems through online courses and evidence-based curriculum. All courses are taught by university professors with PhDs and scholarly experience. These courses include advance practice roles and professional issues, foundations informatics, health systems and policy, inferential statistics in nursing, introduction to adult gerontology, and theory in nursing. The University of Colorado is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 197th best national university in the country and 106th top public school.

#8 – Gardner-Webb University

Online Master's in Nursing Administration

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,430

Gardner-Webb University's online master's degree in nursing administration degree program is offered through the Hunt School of Nursing and the graduate business school. The online MSN degree with specialty requires 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework that covers a range of nursing administration topics. Admission requires a bachelor's in nursing from a regionally accredited institution with a nationally accredited nursing program, an unrestricted license to practice as an RN, and a GPA of 2.70 or better on all undergraduate coursework. Three letters of reference are required, along with the completed application package. Gardner-Webb is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#7 – University of North Carolina

Online MSN in Nursing Administration

Charlotte, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,032

University of North Carolina offers a nursing administration master's degree online with a concentration that is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice in administrative and leadership roles. This 100% online degree program meets the educational requirements for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification in Nursing Administration or Nursing Administration Advanced (CNAA). All courses are delivered online and include curriculum and instruction in nursing education, health disparities and nursing, health policy and planning in the U.S., program improvement and evaluation, research in nursing and health professionals, and theory and application of organizational behavior to nursing systems. Part-time completion options are available. UNC is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top public school and best national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – Western Governors University

Online Master's in Nursing Leadership and Management

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790

Western Governors University offers a type of nursing administration master's degree online program that is designed for registered nurses who hold a bachelor's in nursing (BSN), have a current RN license, and want to move into nursing administration and leadership roles. Program competencies are consistent with the American Nurses Association's standards for nurse administrators. All courses are delivered online, and the program may be completed in just 24 months. Courses include advanced information management and the application of technology, comprehensive health assessment for patients and populations, contemporary pharmacotherapeutics, essentials of advanced nursing practice, nursing leadership and management, principles of healthcare business and financial management, and translational research for practice and populations. Western Governors is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.

#5 – Kennesaw State University

Online MSN Leadership in Nursing

Kennesaw, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,740

Kennesaw State University offers an accredited online master's in nursing administration degree program that emphasizes nursing administration and transformational leadership. The program is offered entirely online and takes only 15 months to complete. Individuals with a bachelor's in nursing from an accredited institution and an unencumbered RN license may apply. Additional admission requirements include GRE scores, undergraduate research course completion, and two professional letters of reference. All courses are delivered online and include conflict management, ethical decision making, global initiatives in healthcare, healthcare policy theory and operations, leadership strategies in development and implementation, and transformational leadership skills and business ethics. Kennesaw State's online graduate nursing programs rank #97 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.

#4 – Texas Woman's University

Online MS in Nursing Health Systems Management

Denton, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,667

One of the most affordable online master's in nurse administration degree programs on our list is the online MS in Nursing Health Systems Management from Texas Woman's University. Designed for nurses seeking professional roles in advanced practice and administration, the program is offered entirely online with flexible classes taught by university professors. Coursework emphasizes fiscal responsibilities, organizational outcomes, and assessment competencies for nurse leaders. Courses are delivered entirely online and include conflict resolution, fiscal assessment, managerial accounting, nursing health systems management challenges and opportunities, organizational assessment, and strategic information systems. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Also, the graduate nursing school ranks #58 in the country.

#3 – University of Texas

Online MSN in Nursing Administration

Tyler, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,142

University of Texas offers an affordable nursing administration master's degree online program that is designed to prepare nurses for administrative and leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Admission requires three letters of recommendation, test scores, and proof of current licensure. Online courses include healthcare informatics, health policy and population health, leadership in healthcare, organizational systems leadership, and translational science. University of Texas is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 88th best regional university in the West and 32nd top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #13 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#2 – New Mexico State University

Online MSN – Nursing Administration

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,941

New Mexico State University's online master's in nurse administration program is open to nurses with an RN license and BSN degree. Offered entirely online, courses are taught by university professors who normally teach at the main campus. While the program is 100% online, students are required to visit campus at least once each year for a three to four day orientation. Courses include fiscal management, health policy, HR management in nursing, nursing fiscal management, promoting health behavior, and roles of nursing administration. New Mexico State is a top-ranked national university by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the graduate online nursing programs have received recognition.

#1 – Fort Hays State University

Online Master's in Nursing Administration

Hays, Kansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,853

Fort Hays State University offers the most affordable online master's in nursing administration degree program on our list. This 34-credit hour program is offered through the Fort Hays State's virtual college and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). All classes are delivered online and include administrative management in healthcare organizations, complexity in healthcare organizations, developing nursing theories, informatics in healthcare systems, research in nursing, and statistics for health professionals. Fort Hays is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #29 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Fort Hays is our #1 pick for most affordable and top ranked online master's in nurse administration degrees.

BMD Staff
March 2017

This concludes our list of the top 30 affordable online master's in nurse administration degree programs for 2017-2018.