Top 50 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing Education 2020

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurse educators is expected to grow by 24% through 2026. There’s a national shortage of nurse educators in the workforce, including those with faculty positions at colleges and universities. According to an article published in Nursing Outlook, one-third of the current nursing faculty workforce in baccalaureate and graduate-level programs will retire by 2025. Qualified applicants to graduate nursing programs are turned away from master’s programs primarily due to a shortage of faculty and clinical education sites.

Earning an online nurse educator MSN can prepare students to teach at the collegiate or organizational level as well as prepare them for doctoral study. We created this list of the most affordable online nursing education master’s degrees, emphasizing that students can continue working full time while earning their MSN in nursing education. We ranked regionally accredited schools with online nurse educator programs based upon the average graduate tuition rate published by College Navigator, a tool offered by the National Center for Education Statistics. There are well over 100 online master’s programs for nurse educators, so we narrowed our list to only those programs with tuition rates less than $13,500.

Program Rankings and Tuition Overview

Below is a summary of the tuition rates for the ranked institutions discussed in this guide:

• #50 Indiana Wesleyan University: $13,104/year
• #49 South University: $13,097/year
• #48 Messiah College: $11,880/year
• #47 Olivet Nazarene University: $11,880/year

Top Affordable Online Nurse Educator Programs

#50. Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, Indiana

MS Nursing-Nursing Education

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a top online CCNE accredited master’s in nursing education that integrates a biblical perspective into the program design. Students move through the program as a cohort with online courses. This allows students to continue working while earning their degree. Courses are offered online, with relevant practicum experiences.

What’s Unique: Students complete coursework in an accelerated format with a cohort of peers. Faculty are industry experts and are dedicated to student success. Courses cover:

• Course Design and Development
• Innovative Teaching Strategies
• Program Evaluation and Assessment

#49. South University – Savannah, Georgia

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialization in Nurse Educator

The top affordable online Nurse Educator MSN at South University helps students develop and practice effective teaching methods, evaluation techniques, and curriculum development strategies in the classroom and clinical setting. This affordable top CCNE accredited online nurse educator program will help students build competency in instructional method design, and gain clinical expertise.

What’s Unique: Students complete a blend of online learning and hands-on training. It will help students create curriculum strategies that are in-demand by health care organizations around the country. Specialization courses include:

• Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
• Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing
• Curriculum Design and Evaluation in Nursing Education

#48. Messiah College – Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Master of Science in Nursing: nurse educator (MSN, RN-MSN)

Messiah Colleges features a top online affordable nurse educator MSN program that prepares students to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam. This CCNE accredited nurse educator program can be completed in just two years. All courses are taught by faculty who are accomplished professionals who guide students in their career, education, and faith.

What’s Unique: Messiah College offers two different career paths including the MSN Nurse Educator for BSN nurses and the RN-MSN Nurse Educator. Core courses cover:

• Teaching Methods for Clinical Practice in Nursing Education
• Principles of Measurement and Evaluation
• Foundations and Applications of the Nurse Educator Role

#47. Olivet Nazarene University – Bourbonnais, Illinois

Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Education

The accelerated online affordable MSN nursing education program at Olivet Nazarene University features an accelerated schedule option. Nurses can earn their degree in just 17 months. Classes are delivered in eight-week format and students have the opportunity to double up on classes.

UConn Online – MS in Nursing - Nurse Educator

UConn Online provides a 100% online Nurse Educator master’s degree focused on building your expertise in clinical education. The best nurse educators exhibit exceptional leadership qualities and excellent communication skills. Specialization, awards, and achievements earned by the school or department have also been noted.