Top Cheapest MSN/MBA Programs for 2026
The worlds of advanced nursing practice and healthcare as a business combine in dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. These programs are perfect for nurses who want to advance their careers as administrators, leaders, consultants, and beyond.
While graduates often land high-salaried jobs, paying for the program itself can be tricky. Fortunately, we've found the top cheapest MSN/MBA programs to help you find one that suits your career goals and budget.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Nurse.org’s Top Cheapest MSN/MBA Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Midway University | $485 per credit hour | 2.5 years | ACEN |
| University of Mary | $510 per credit hour | 2.5 years | CCNE |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | $280.18 - $685.18 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Liberty University | $580 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | $730 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Carlow University | $675 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Spring Arbor University | $525 - $797 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| Kent University | $536 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Miami University | $795 per credit hour | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Drexel University | $1,169 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| Purdue University Global | $420 - $485 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Midway offers one of the cheapest MSN/MBA programs in the country, with small class sizes despite being an online program. The university requires applicants to complete a two-step process. First, they submit an application to Midway, then a separate application to the MSN/MBA program.
Program Highlights
- 1:16 student-to-faculty ratio allows for more individualized instruction
- NC-SARA membership allows Midway to offer distance learning programs to residents from other states
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Recommended 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Proof of required vaccinations
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (859) 846-5788
- Email Address: admissions@midway.edu
Why We Picked This School
The University of Mary’s affordable MSN/MBA program pays special attention to the business aspect of healthcare. Throughout the coursework, students learn how to analyze the issues between the clinical and administrative sides of nursing practice and healthcare systems. The program also provides students with the skills to lead and offer practical solutions through conflict resolution.
Program Highlights
- MSN students are eligible for up to $3,000 in scholarships
- Strong relationship with military servicemembers and military experience can count towards a degree
- Rolling start dates every five weeks
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Details of previous career and/or work experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: September 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (701) 355-8030
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Why We Picked This School
Enrolling in TTUHSC's affordable MSN/MBA degree is a different process from most other programs. First, students apply to the MSN Advanced Nursing Leadership program. Once accepted, they notify the program director of their interest in the dual degree. The program director then assesses their academic performance and cumulative GPA to determine whether the student should apply for the MBA portion.
Program Highlights
- Considers leadership potential, work and life experience diversity, community service, and whether applicants are first-gen college students for admissions
- Reduced degree requirements to 57 hours by jointly administering the MSN and MBA programs
- Students graduate with an MSN degree before starting the MBA portion
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Personal statement and track-specific questions
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- C grade or higher in undergraduate research and statistics courses
- One year of relevant registered nursing experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Oath of Residency form
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Non-refundable fee
- Completed electronic admission application
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $280.18 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $685.18 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Fall: February 15th
- Spring: August 31st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (806) 74-9294
- Email Address: applynursing@ttuhsc.edu
Why We Picked This School
Liberty’s 100% online MSN/MBA program offers classes in eight-week terms, allowing students to complete their degrees faster than other programs. Students may transfer up to half of the total number of credits toward this highly competitive degree.
Program Highlights
- Ranked as the Best Online College in Virginia by the Center for Online Education
- Online program backed by a brick-and-mortar university ranked by Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
- Ranked among the most affordable online colleges by the Center for Online Education
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 219-0173
Why We Picked This School
Among the cheapest MSN/MBA programs, the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers 100% online didactic coursework. The six-week courses are available on a full-time or part-time schedule, allowing greater flexibility for working professionals. Keep in mind that despite the program's online delivery, students must still complete in-person clinicals.
Program Highlights
- The Commonwealth University of PA is a unique partnership between three major universities: Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Bloomsburg
- Students have access to an alumni network of over 145,000 students
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Career goal statement
- Minimum one letter of recommendation
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (570) 389-4015
- Email Address: gradadmissions@commonwealthu.edu
Why We Picked This School
A leader in nursing education for 75 years, Carlow University has committed itself to uplifting the next generation of nurses. CU's unique MSN/MBA program allows students to choose between two MSN concentrations, which is rarely the case for these types of programs.
Program highlights
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed online admission application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal essay
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Minimum of two years of work experience
- Personal interview with an admissions committee member
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 511-6450
Why We Picked This School
This uniquely designed, affordable MSN/MBA program is among the few RN to MSN/MBA degrees. While most MSN/MBA degrees require a BSN, associate-prepared nurses may apply to Spring Arbor's program. In addition to earning the dual graduate degree, the university awards students a BSN mid-program.
Program Highlights
- Unique 7-1-7 course schedule (seven-week courses, one-week break)
- There are four start dates throughout the year
- Students attend one four-day campus residency during their third year
Requirements
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- BSN courses: $525 per credit hour
- MSN/MBA courses: $797 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (844) 621-0900
Why We Picked This School
Kent University offers one of the cheapest MSN/MBA programs taught by an expert faculty. Virtually proctored exams eliminate the need for students to go to testing centers, adding convenience to the university experience. Additionally, students can access 24/7 technical support, which can be essential in an entirely online program.
Program Highlights
- Students complete 300 clinical experience hours with healthcare leaders locally
- Two convenient start dates throughout the year: spring and fall
- Taught by the same instructors from the brick-and-mortar university
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (330) 672-2661
- Email Address: gradapps@kent.edu
Why We Picked This School
Miami University offers two MSN options- leadership or family nurse practitioner (FNP)- for its affordable MSN/MBA degree. The total program length and number of credit hours differ by MSN concentration. Attending the FNP track takes about a year longer, and it requires 630 in-person clinical hours.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #2 Most Affordable Online College in Ohio by CollegeChoice, 2024
- Ranked #7 Best Online College in Ohio by CollegeChoice, 2024
- Recommended by 95% of students - the highest rated by students among Online Schools in Ohio by OnlineU
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Current resume/CV
- One year of relevant registered nursing experience
- Completed online admission application
- Non-refundable application fee
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: August 1st
- Spring: January 1st
- Summer: April 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (513) 217-4003
Why We Picked This School
Students can complete Drexel’s affordable MSN/MBA program in four years. The university divides the program into four 10-week quarters per year. This schedule allows students to take more courses over a shorter period of time.
Program Highlights
- Students participate in co-ops throughout the program, as well as precepted clinical experiences
- One of 39 private universities with a Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education R1 research status, noting the highest research activity
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
- Relevant work experience
- Two professional letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Application Deadline: March 2nd
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 2-DREXEL
- Email Address: enroll@drexel.edu
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Why We Picked This School
Purdue offers short, six-week modules that allow students to quickly work their way through the curriculum. They attend didactic courses entirely online and may complete hands-on practicum experiences at their workplace or another local site.
Program Highlights
- The dual degree only requires 88 credits, while earning both separately would take 120
- 17-30% tuition savings per credit for current servicemembers and 14% for veterans
- Over 99% of faculty members have an advanced degree, and 58% of all faculty members have a terminal degree
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Criminal background check
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- MSN: $420 per credit hour
- MBA: $485 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Fall: October 28th
- Spring: March 11th
- Summer: May 27th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (844) 787-3834
What to Expect in an MSN/MBA Program
An MSN/MBA program is ideal for nurses who want to succeed in higher-level business management positions. Think nursing administration, hospital leadership, or consulting - an MSN/MBA program can prepare you for these types of roles.
Expect these programs to be intense. The degree imparts administrative, organizational, and financial skills while also providing an advanced practice nursing education. Although challenging, it bridges the gap between bedside nursing and the business side of healthcare organizations.
FAQs
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