Top Cheapest Online Nursing Informatics Programs

7 Min Read Published September 22, 2025
Top Cheapest Online Nursing Informatics Programs
Top Cheapest Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Nursing informatics is one of the hottest careers in nursing currently. Those looking to step away from the bedside and stress of patient care are especially suited for informatics.

Looking for an affordable way to get into nursing informatics? We've compiled a list of the 10 cheapest online nursing informatics programs to help you achieve your career goals. 

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

For more than 15 years, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University has been educating registered nurses and healthcare professionals like you online. We offer a number of advanced online nursing degrees designed to give you the advanced education needed to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Natiowide except AZ, CA, DC, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA, PR

Top 10 Cheapest Online Nursing Informatics 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.

It’s important to note that while all of the programs on the list are online programs, in-person clinicals with an approved preceptor at an approved clinical site are required to graduate.

School

Tuition

Program Length

Accreditation

Northeastern State University

Resident: $10,632


Nonresident: $10,664

2 years (32 credit hours)

ACEN

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Resident: $10,927.02


Nonresident: $26,722.02

2 years (39 credit hours)

CCNE

Post University - American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences

$21,1168

16 - 24 months (36 credit hours)

CCNE

Nebraska Methodist College

$22,932

24 months (39 credit hours)

CCNE

University of South Alabama 

$20,196

2-3 years (34 credit hours)

CCNE

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical College

Resident: $27,234


Nonresident: $44,132

2.4 years (32 credit hours)

CCNE

Excelsior University

$27,180

2 years (36 credit hours)

CCNE

Millersville University

$23,421

14-24 months (37 credit hours)

CCNE

Ferris State University

$29,489

5-12 semesters (37 credit hours)

CCNE

Chamberlain University

1 year - $10,470

1.5 years - $15,705

2 years - $20.940

2.5 years - $26,175

3 years - $31,410

4 years - $41,880

1 - 4 years (14 courses)

CCNE

 

Total Est. Tuition:
  • Resident: $10,632
  • Nonresident: $10,664
Program Length
2 years (32 credit hours)
Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Online Options Available?

Hybrid

Northeastern State offers one of the cheapest online informatics programs nationwide. It comprises approximately 20 credits of core MSN courses with 12 additional credits specific to nursing informatics.

Students can attend classes entirely online, in-person, or a hybrid combination of both. No matter how they choose to attend classes, they must all complete the required in-person clinicals.

  • Application Deadline: 5 days before the start of the program
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (918) 456-5511
    • Email Address: nsuinfo@nsuok.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Certificate

 

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

For more than 15 years, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University has been educating registered nurses and healthcare professionals like you online. We offer a number of advanced online nursing degrees designed to give you the advanced education needed to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Natiowide except AZ, CA, DC, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA, PR

Total Est. Tuition:
  • Resident: $10,927.02
  • Nonresident: $26,722.02
Program Length
2 years (39 credit hours)
Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Students who graduate from Texas Tech's affordable online nursing informatics program are eligible to sit for recognized nursing informatics certifications. Specifically, they can take the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Board Certification and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams.

Students can complete this online nursing informatics degree in about two years. However, they may opt to substitute MSN courses for DNP ones if they want to pursue a doctoral degree.

  • Application Deadlines: 
    • Fall: February 15th 
    • Spring: August 31st
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (806) 743-1000
    • Email Address: applynursing@ttuhsc.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate
Total Est. Tuition
$21,1168
Program Length
16 - 24 months (36 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Post University offers 100% online classes with 16-week semesters. This cheap online nursing informatics program is self-paced with monthly start dates. Students who choose the SIMPath option can earn their MSN degree in as few as two semesters.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (800) 729-2427
    • Email Address: asc-Info@Post.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition
$22,932
Program Length
24 months (39 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

The two-year online program at Nebraska Methodist College is one of the only ones in the region. It caters to working nurses, allowing them to balance their educational goals with personal commitments and their nursing careers. All enrolled students will receive Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) national and chapter memberships.

  • Application Deadlines: 
    • Fall: July 10th
    • Spring: December 5th
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (402) 354-7000 
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition
$20,196
Program Length
2-3 years (34 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

The University of South Alabama offers a traditional online MSN and an RN to MSN option. The RN to MSN allows associate-educated RNs to earn an MSN without first attending a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This option incorporates three additional courses, which prolong the total program length.

Students can complete clinical rotations at an approved site in their area. If they cannot find an appropriate site and preceptor, program coordinators will help arrange an appropriate clinical placement.

  • Application Deadline: February 15th 
  • Contact Info:
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition: 
  • Resident: $27,234
  • Nonresident: $44,132
Program Length
2.4 years (32 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

The program at Colorado Anschutz allows students to complete the program in as little as two years with a full-time course load. They can extend the program for up to three or four years, as long as they take at least one course per term. This increased flexibility allows students to continue to work during the program.

  • Application Deadline: July 1st
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (303) 724-7223
    • Email Address: nursing.admissions@cuanschutz.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Tuition
$27,180
Program Length
2 years (36 credit hours)
Accreditation
ACEN
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Excelsior's cheap online nursing informatics program includes 100% online didactic courses and in-person clinicals. Courses begin every eight weeks, allowing for increased flexibility.

Already an extremely affordable program, students also have access to over 50 different scholarships. These financial resources further reduce students’ total tuition costs.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (888) 647-2388
    • Email Address: gradadmissions@excelsior.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Tuition
$23,421
Program Length
14-24 months (37 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes
The Wehrheim School of Nursing at Millersville University offers a 100% online MSN program in nursing informatics. Students can complete the program in 14 to 24 months, depending on how many courses they take each semester. The university offers multiple start dates with no GRE or GMAT required for admission.
  • Application Deadline: October 10th
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (855) 741-3189
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Tuition
$29,489
Program Length
5-12 semesters (37 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Among the cheapest online nursing informatics programs, FSU also consistently ranks as one of the best online graduate programs nationwide. Courses follow an eight-week format, including a capstone course designed to fit a working nurse's schedule. Students in this program enjoy maximum flexibility with 24/7 access to coursework and materials.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (231) 591-2259
    • Email Address: StephanieGustman@Ferris.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, DNP
Tuition
$10,470 - $41,880 total
Program Length
1 - 4 years (14 courses)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available? 
Yes
WGU's cheap online nursing informatics program has a different tuition structure than other universities. The school charges per term, rather than per credit, which ultimately reduces the cost of the degree. Therefore, the quicker students finish their program, the cheaper it is.
  • Detailed Tuition Breakdown:
    • 1 year - $10,470
    • 1.5 years - $15,705
    • 2 years - $20.940
    • 2.5 years - $26,175
    • 3 years - $31,410
    • 4 years - $41,880
  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (866) 225-5948
  • Degrees Offered: MSN

 What to Expect in Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Online nursing informatics programs allow students to complete didactic courses entirely online with minimal in-person requirements. Some programs will require students to attend on-campus intensives, but all programs do require in-person clinicals at an approved clinical site. Students can expect to take between one and three classes per semester, depending on the length of the program and course progression. 

Prerequisites

The only real prerequisite for online nursing informatics programs is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program. Some programs will require bedside experience, so it is essential to read over all of the admission requirements and speak to an admission counselor if you have any questions. 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for an MSN in nursing informatics will vary depending on the specific program. General requirements include:

  • BSN from an accredited nursing program
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 cumulative scale
  • GRE, if applicable
  • All official transcripts
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Personal statement
  • CV/Resume
  • Interview, if applicable

Classes & Coursework

Students can expect to take the following courses or similar ones throughout the nursing informatics programs. Courses include:

  • Nursing Informatics Fundamentals 
  • Health Promotion and Population Health
  • Essentials in Healthcare Informatics
  • Health Systems and Health Policy
  • Leadership and Quality Improvement
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Data Mining to Advance Healthcare
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Systems Leadership
  • AI and Nursing Profession
  • Budgeting and Financial Management
  • Nursing Ethics
  • Project Management
  • Nursing Research
  • Nursing Informatics Practicum
  • Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

For more than 15 years, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University has been educating registered nurses and healthcare professionals like you online. We offer a number of advanced online nursing degrees designed to give you the advanced education needed to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Natiowide except AZ, CA, DC, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA, PR

FAQs

Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

Read More From Kathleen
Go to the top of page