Top 30 Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing Education Degrees 2017-2018

Home/Rankings of Top Master’s Degree Programs/Top 30 Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing Education Degrees 2017-2018

In this article, we list the top 30 ranked and affordable online master's in nursing education degree programs for 2017-2018.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a projected growth rate of 19 percent until the year 2022 for the field of nursing. This dynamic expansion means that well-qualified and well-trained nursing staff will be needed to serve the industry. Experienced nurse educators will be in high demand to help prepare nurses for various roles in this growing field.

We reviewed 85 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offer online master's in nursing education degrees, or closely related programs. We chose institutions with rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then selected the 30 most affordable programs and listed them based on the most recent in-state graduate tuition rates published by NCES College Navigator.

Below are the resulting selections of our top 30 affordable online master's in nursing education degrees listed in order of affordability.

#30 – Drexel University

Online Master's in Nursing Education

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,519

Drexel University is a top-ranked institution that offers an accredited online master's in nursing education degree designed to prepare nurses to work as educators for nursing programs. While the program is considered to be online, a clinical practicum and residency are required. Students have the option of completing their clinical practicum in their geographic location and the three-day residency on-campus. Classes include curriculum design for higher level cognition, evaluation and translation of health research, foundations of nursing education, quality and safety in healthcare, and research methods and biostatistics. Drexel University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 96th best national university and 65th best value school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

For more information: Drexel University

#29 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Educator

University Park, Pennsylvania

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,832

Pennsylvania State University's online master's in nurse education program is designed to develop nurse educators in various academic and healthcare settings. The program can be completed entirely online, with classes taught by university professors. Courses include assessment and evaluation in nursing education, curriculum and program development in nursing education, nursing education theories and strategies, pharmacologic therapy, and physical assessment through the lifespan. Admission to the program requires valid RN licensure, a bachelor's degree in nursing, and a complete application. Penn State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school. Also, the graduate nursing school ranks 40th in the nation.

For more information: Pennsylvania State University World Campus

#28 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online MSN in Nurse Educator

Manchester, New Hampshire

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

Southern New Hampshire University's online MSN nurse educator degree program is "designed for nurses by nurses," according to the program website. This 39-credit program may be completed entirely online and in just 20 months. Admission to the program requires an active license to practice as a registered nurse and an earned bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program. Classes are taught by university professors and include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing concepts, assessment and evaluation in nursing education, curriculum design in nursing, global health and diversity, and teaching and learning for nurse educator. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 101st best regional institution in the North and the #1 most innovative school.

For more information: Southern New Hampshire University

#27 – Franklin Pierce University

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Rindge, New Hampshire

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,605

Franklin Pierce University offers an accredited online master's in nurse education program designed to prepare nurses to become leaders who want to make a contribution to the local and global health communities. The nurse educator track requires a number of education and leadership courses surrounding nursing education. These courses include evidence-based curriculum design, evaluating learning and assessing competencies, organizational behavior, and strategic planning and project management for nurses. Admission to the program requires a completed online application, current resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of professional aspirations. Franklin Pierce is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

For more information: Franklin Pierce University

#26 – Mercy College

Online Master's in Nursing Education

Dobbs Ferry, New York

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,514

Mercy College offers an affordable online master's in nursing education program that is designed to prepare nurse educators for faculty positions or staff development roles in hospitals and other healthcare settings. A total of 36 credits are required, including 15 core credits and 21 specialization credits. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. These courses include curriculum processes, instructional strategies, integrative health assessment for nursing education, nursing education practicum, and student evaluation. Mercy College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

For more information: Mercy College

#25 – University of Toledo

Online Master's in Nursing Education

Toledo, Ohio

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,721

The online MSN in education degree program at University of Toledo is designed for individuals with a bachelor's in nursing and clinical nursing experience who want to become staff educators or nursing faculty. Admission to the program requires a BSN from an accredited institution and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All courses are delivered online and include advanced nursing research, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, developing instructional programs in nursing, health assessment, public policy and healthcare, and theoretical and ethical foundations of nursing. Field experience, thesis, or comprehensive examination is also required. University of Toledo is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution, and the online graduate nursing programs are also recognized among the best.

For more information: University of Toledo

#24 – Jacksonville University

Online MSN in Clinical Nurse Educator

Jacksonville, Florida

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,960

Jacksonville University offers an accredited online MSN nurse educator program designed for experienced nurses who do not want to leave their current career to attend school. The program offers a 100% online classroom with courses delivered by university professors. A total of eleven classes (33 credits) are required, including curriculum development in nursing, information systems and technology for improved healthcare, nursing leadership and advanced roles, and organization and policy in healthcare. Jacksonville's School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #73 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

For more information: Jacksonville University

#23 – Walden University

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,609

Walden University offers a CCNE-accredited online master's in nursing education program designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skill needed to move into education and faculty positions. Admission requires a bachelor's degree or higher in nursing from an accredited institution, a completed online application, and transcripts. All courses are delivered online and include several core and specialty classes. The nurse education specialization requires courses in advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, curriculum development and evaluation, role of the nurse educator, specialty in clinical nursing, and teaching learning strategies–integrating technology into nursing education. Walden has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in recent years as a best national university.

For more information: Walden University

#22 – Kent State University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Educator

Kent, Ohio

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,864

Kent State University's online master's in nurse education is a 34-credit hour program that can be completed on a part-time (3-4 years) or full-time (2 years) basis. Successful completion of the program earns an MSN with certification as a certified nurse educator (CNE) from the National League for Nursing. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. Courses include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing informatics, clinical nursing and education issues in a specialty area, curriculum and instruction in nursing education, methods of inquiry, nursing education with technology, and roles and evaluation for nursing education curricula. Kent State is a nationally ranked institution and top public school. U.S. News and World Report recognizes the school in the most recent edition of Best Colleges. In fact, the nursing school ranks #157 among the best graduate nursing schools in the country.

For more information: Kent State University

#21 – Regis University

Online RN to MS in Nursing – Education Focus

Denver, Colorado

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800

Regis University's online MSN in education offers a fast track to earning both a BSN and MSN degree through a type of RN bridge program. Coursework is delivered entirely online and in a flexible format so that students can access class materials at all hours of the day or night. Nursing education courses include advanced health assessment of the patient and family, advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan, curriculum development, evaluation methods in healthcare education, and leadership in healthcare systems. Regis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West. Also, the school's online graduate nursing programs have received recognition.

For more information: Regis University

#20 – Concordia University

Online MSN – Nurse Educator

Mequon, Wisconsin

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,876

One of the more affordable nursing education master's programs online is offered by Concordia University. The program is designed to build on a bachelor's in nursing foundation to equip individuals to become nurse educators in academic and healthcare settings. All classes are delivered online and include courses like advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan, advanced physical assessment for nurse educators, evidence based nursing practice, foundations of healthcare informatics, healthcare policy and issues, and theoretical foundations for advanced nursing roles and inter-professional collaboration. A total of 39-41 credits are required for completion of the program, and various start dates allow students to jump into the program at a convenient time. Concordia's online graduate nursing programs rank #92 out of more than 1,200 program surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.

For more information: Concordia University

#19 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Online MS Nursing – Nursing Education

Marion, Indiana

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,700

The online MSN in education program from Indiana Wesleyan University prepares students to serve as educators in settings such as hospitals or schools. The program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by experienced professionals. Online courses include advanced health and physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, biostatistics and epidemiology, ethics and health policy, evidence based communication, theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice, and utilization of research for evidence based practice. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's in nursing from a regionally accredited institution, a solid GPA of at least 3.0, official transcripts, and a criminal history background check. Indiana Wesleyan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best regional university in the Midwest.

For more information: Indiana Wesleyan University

#18 – Indiana University – Purdue University

Online MSN – Nursing Education

Indianapolis, Indiana

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,183

The online MSN nurse educator program from Indiana University is designed to prepare students to engage in nursing education in various health and academic settings. The program consists of 42 credit hours and 225 practicum supervised hours. All courses are delivered online and include advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment lifespan, leadership for advanced practice nursing, nursing curriculum, nursing research, and scientific bases for clinical teaching. The institution is a nationally ranked university and top public school. U.S. News and World Report ranks the online graduate nursing programs #21 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.

For more information: Indiana University

#17 – East Tennessee State University

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Johnson City, Tennessee

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,171

East Tennessee State University's nursing education master's programs online are designed to equip nurses to become educators in healthcare and academic settings. The 100% online MSN with nursing education concentration program requires an unencumbered license to practice as an RN and a bachelor's degree in nursing. Classes include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing research, curriculum design and educational theory, evaluation methods of nursing education, healthcare policy, scholarly synthesis, and theoretical foundations of advanced nursing practice. A nursing education practicum is also required. East Tennessee is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

For more information: East Tennessee State University

#16 – Ball State University

Online MSN – Nurse Educator

Muncie, Indiana

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,904

Ball State University's nursing education master's programs online include the MSN with nurse educator concentration. This 100% online degree is designed to prepare students to become educators in hospitals, healthcare organizations, nursing care facilities, and academic settings. Courses are taught by university professors and include a research core, nursing core, and educator role core. Nineteen credits of nurse educator courses include curricular designs in nursing, health assessment for clinical practice, pathophysiology and pharmacology for clinical practice, practicum of role expectations, program evaluation, and teaching in nursing. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution and public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #13 out of more than 1,200 programs.

For more information: Ball State University

#15 – University of North Dakota

Online Master's in Nurse Educator

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,461

The 41-credit online master's in nursing education program from University of North Dakota offers part-time and full-time completion options and in-state tuition regardless of residency. The program takes approximately two years on average to complete and is designed to prepare nurses to become educators in academic and healthcare settings. Admission requires a bachelor's in nursing from an accredited institution, a current RN license, and a minimum of one year of experience. All courses are delivered online and include advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology for primary care, curriculum development, evidence for practice, foundations for nurse education, teaching methodologies, and theories and concepts of nursing. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 202nd best national university and 110th top public school in the nation.

For more information: University of North Dakota

#14 – Liberty University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Educator

Lynchburg, Virginia

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000

Liberty University's accredited online master's in nurse education program offers a nurse educator track specifically designed for nurses wanting to become equipped with the skills needed to teach and provide education in academic and healthcare settings. This 42-credit hour program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by university professors. Online courses include advanced clinical applications for nurse educators, advanced health and physical assessment, health policy and ethics, managing population health, nursing education – curriculum development, and nursing education – teaching strategies and evaluation. Liberty's online graduate nursing programs are ranked #87 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.

For more information: Liberty University

#13 – Lamar University

Online MSN in Education

Beaumont, Texas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,898

Lamar University offers accredited nursing education master's programs online that are designed for working RNs with experience in clinical healthcare. The RN to MSN program is entirely online and requires coursework that may be completed in just 36 months. The education track includes courses in advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, curriculum design, measurement and evaluation, and role development and learning/teaching theories. The school offers more than one start date each year so that admission begins at a time convenient for the student. Lamar is ranked by major publications like 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.

For more information: Lamar University

#12 – Indiana State University

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Terre Haute, Indiana

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,184

Indiana State University's online MSN in education is a 37-40 credit program for students who are interested in advancing their nursing careers into areas of health education. All courses are taught online, and the required clinical placements are arranged by the student in the state they are licensed to practice in. The program is designed with part-time and full-time completion options and may be finished between 2.5 and 5 years. Required courses include advanced clinical concepts in nursing education, curriculum process in nursing, education practices in nursing, evidence based practice, measurement and assessment in nursing, and nursing theory development. Indiana State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #81 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

For more information: Indiana State University

#11 – University of South Alabama

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Mobile, Alabama

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,110

University of South Alabama's online MSN nurse educator program can be completed as a subspecialty to any MSN or DNP program. The nurse education track is designed for advanced practice nurses who want to earn the MSN in an advanced practice role while gaining nursing education preparation. Nurse education courses include a total of 11 credits. These classes include current topics in nursing education, curriculum and outcomes evaluation in nursing education, instructional design and technology for nurse educators, and nursing education role synthesis practicum. The practicum requires 180 clinical hours that may be completed in the student's geographic location. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as a best national university.

For more information: University of South Alabama

#10 – Western Governors University

Online Master's in Nursing Education

Salt Lake City, Utah

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790

Looking for an affordable nursing education master's programs online? Western Governors University offers a BSN to MSN nurse educator program designed to prepare nurses to become nurse educators in both academic and healthcare environments. The program is for working RNs who have a BSN and unencumbered RN license, and want to transition into nursing education. The program requires approximately 15 or more hours per week of study time. All classes are delivered online and include advanced information management and the application of technology, comprehensive health assessment for patients and populations, essentials of advanced nursing practice field experience, and organizational leadership and inter-professional team development. The program is designed to be completed in approximately 2-3 years.

For more information: Western Governors University

#9 – Texas Woman's University

Online Master's in Nursing Education

Denton, Texas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,667

Texas Woman's University offers an accredited online MSN in education that can be completed 100% online. Designed for working RNs, the program is both flexible and affordable. Working nurses do not have to step away from their daytime responsibilities in order to attend classes. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include advanced assessment and differential diagnosis, curriculum design and management in nursing, evaluation models for curriculum management, measurement and assessment in nursing, and theoretical basis for nursing education. Texas Woman's University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the graduate nursing school ranks #58 in the nation.

For more information: Texas Woman's University

#8 – University of Texas

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Tyler, Texas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,142

University of Texas offers nursing education master's programs online that are designed for those interested in becoming nurse educators. Admission to the program requires proof of current licensure, three letters of recommendation, and a completed essay. Courses are delivered entirely online and taught by the same professors who teach nursing education on campus. Full and part-time options are available. Required courses include evaluation in nursing education, healthcare informatics, health policy and population health, nursing education roles and strategies, and translational science. The institution 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 have earned a ranking of #13 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

For more information: University of Texas

#7 – Excelsior College

Online Master's in Nursing Education

Albany, New York

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,120

Excelsior College's online master's in nurse education is an accredited program designed for nurses interested in pursuing nursing education roles in healthcare settings. The program is delivered entirely online with nursing classes designed to fit with work schedules. The degree requires a total of 39 credit hours, which include nursing core courses, graduate electives, nursing education courses, and a capstone project. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and unencumbered RN license. Up to 16 semester hours of transfer credit may be accepted based on various factors. Excelsior is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the best regional universities in the North.

For more information: Excelsior College

#6 – University of Nevada

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Educator

Las Vegas, Nevada

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,500

University of Nevada's online master's in nursing education program is designed for working RNs with bachelor's degrees in nursing. The program may be completed entirely online with part-time and full-time options. Courses include advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and genetics, developing and evaluating curriculum for nursing education, health and public policy for advanced practice of nursing, informatics and quality improvement, and nursing theory and research. UNLV is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #20 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

For more information: University of Nevada

#5 – University of Wyoming

Online Master's in Nursing – Nurse Educator

Laramie, Wyoming

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,498

The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing at University of Wyoming is home to the online MSN nurse educator program designed for nurses who wish to become nurse educators. All classes are taught online by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Courses include application of theory in advanced nursing practice, curriculum in nursing education, evidence-based nursing practice, health and healthcare in rural cultures, introduction to nurse education, and teaching methodologies. Admission to the program does not require the GRE or any other graduate examination. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as a top national university. Also, in recent years the school's graduate nursing programs have received recognition.

For more information: University of Wyoming

#4 – Marian University

Online MSN in Nursing Education

Indianapolis, Indiana

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,608

Marian University's School of Nursing offers an affordable online MSN in education program that is delivered through a hybrid platform with courses both online and face-to-face. The program requires real-time class meetings, a culminating project, and a field-based 225-hour practicum. The program is designed to be completed in two years. Courses are taught by university professors and include advanced health assessment, curriculum development in nursing, measurement and evaluation, nursing research, teaching and learning, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. Marian is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 113th best regional university in the Midwest.

For more information: Marian University

#3 – Grantham University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nursing Education

Lenexa, Kansas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,040

Grantham University's online MSN nurse educator program is designed to prepare nurses for roles in nursing education in both academic and healthcare settings. Courses are delivered online, and a total of 37 credit hours should be completed in approximately 24 months. Completion time could take less depending on how much transfer credit is accepted. Courses include assessment and teaching to diverse learning styles, curriculum design and learning outcomes, diverse populations and healthcare, foundations of advanced nursing practice, legal and ethical issues of advanced practice nursing, and nursing research and evidence based practice. Grantham is accredited by the Distance Educating Accrediting Commission and is a candidate for accreditation by ACEN.

For more information: Grantham University

#2 – Fort Hays State University

Online Master of Science in Nursing Education

Hays, Kansas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,853

Fort Hays State University's online master's in nurse education program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue roles as nurse educators in various academic and health settings. Thirty-four credits are required and include a number of courses specific to the nurse educator track. These courses include curriculum planning in nurse education, evidence-based practice project, nursing education curriculum evaluation, and teaching strategies in nursing. Admission requires a current RN license to practice professional nursing in the U.S. Fort Hays is a ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report have recognized the school's nursing programs. In the most recent edition of Best Colleges, the online graduate nursing programs rank #29 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

For more information: Fort Hays State University

#1 – Southwest Baptist University

Online Master's in Nursing – Nursing Education

Bolivar, Missouri

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,720

Southwest Baptist University is the most affordable online master's in nursing education program on our list. This program is designed for working nurses who require flexible options for completing their advanced education. Three completion options are available, including part-time (three years), full-time (two years), and full-time accelerated (18 months). All classes are delivered online and include concepts of advanced practice nursing, ethics and policy issues in advanced practice, information systems, nursing research, nursing science, and statistics and data analysis for nursing. According to the program website, 100% of responding MSN graduates found employment within one year of graduation. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the top regional institutions in the Midwest and is the most affordable online master's in nursing education degree program on our list.

For more information: Southwest Baptist University

BMD Staff
March 2017

This concludes our list of the top 30 affordable online master's in nursing education degrees for 2017-2018.