There’s never been a better time to research affordable nurse educator schools. According to the AACN, nearly 80,000 qualified students are turned away from nursing schools each year due to America’s critical shortage of nurse educators. Nurse educators are master’s-level prepared professionals who teach nurses in college classrooms and staff development programs. Nursing education can be the perfect fit for RNs wishing to blend their clinical expertise with their passion for teaching.
Going back to graduate school can be a challenging expense, though. Tuition prices are steadily rising, but affordable online nurse educator programs can be found. Nurse educator programs online deliver a high-quality education via the Internet with minimal campus trips. They’re ideal for busy working RNs who need flexibility in creating their own schedule. Online degrees are also less expensive because they don’t require costly room and board or transportation. Yet, online programs still meet the requirements for becoming a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).
To create our list of affordable nurse educator programs online, we turned to the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator. We selected all universities in the United States delivering online advanced degrees in nurse education. There were 182 hits. Then, again using College Navigator, we researched total in-state graduate tuition and fees. We finalized our ranking by selecting the 30 most affordable online nurse educator programs and sorted them from highest to lowest below.
30. University of Houston
MSN Nurse Educator Track
Victoria, TX
Tuition and Fees: $27,116/yr
Approved by the CCNE and Texas Board of Nursing, the UH Nurse Educator Track is given for registered nurses seeking to become leaders in advanced practice teaching roles. Most courses in the 42-credit program are accessible online, but a mandatory orientation will be held in Victoria. Aspiring educators will receive hands-on teaching experience in the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Patient Care Simulation Center.
29. University of Nevada
Master’s in Nursing, Nurse Educator
Las Vegas, NV
Tuition and Fees: $19,928/yr
Requiring just two to three day-long orientation sessions in Las Vegas, the Master’s in Nursing Nurse Educator program is offered primarily online for full-time or part-time students. Within the 33-credit program, clinical practice generalists are given the skills to accept faculty nursing positions in academia. UNLV has the nation’s 6th best online graduate nursing degrees according to the USNWR.
28. Winona State University
Master’s Nursing Program – Nurse Educator
Winona, MN
Tuition and Fees: $19,067/yr
Centered on the motto of “Caring, Ethical, Creative, and Accountable,” the Master’s Nursing Program – Nurse Educator (NE) uses an online hybrid format to prepare nurses for effectively producing our nation’s next generation of healthcare providers. The online 48-credit program is supplemented with 300 total didactic teaching hours. RNs without a bachelor’s degree could qualify for Winona State’s RN to MS Professional Pathway.
27. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Master of Science in Nursing Education
Edinburg, TX
Tuition and Fees: $16,000/yr
Based on the ANA Standards of Professional Performance, UT Brownsville’s Master of Science in Nursing Education program strives to produce competent educators for teaching diverse traditional and non-traditional nursing student populations. The 35-credit curriculum is rooted in the concepts of information literacy, ethical decision-making, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The U.S. News ranked this as one of America’s 96th best online graduate nursing degrees.
26. Mount Mercy University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Track
Cedar Rapids, IA
Tuition and Fees: $15,512/yr
With small cohort-based online classes, the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Track at Mount Mercy trains nurses to implement educational initiatives in academic and health delivery systems. The program offers accelerated five-week scheduling for full-time completion within just 18 months. Fully accredited by the CCNE, the non-thesis program includes practicum experience and an applied clinical project.
25. Texas A&M University
Nurse Educator MSN Program
Corpus Christi, TX
Tuition and Fees: $15,226/yr
Texas A&M is renowned for being ranked the 28th best online graduate nursing programs in the United States by the USNWR. The online Nurse Educator MSN Program consists of 37 credits to prepare nurses for pursuing NLN certification. Specialty coursework in curriculum planning, health assessment, instructional teaching, program evaluation, and learning theory will give RNs the chance to move into academic or clinical education.
24. Independence University
Master of Science in Nursing Education
Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition and fees: $14,560/yr
Independence University has its roots as a family of non-profit colleges and universities with historic ties reaching back to 1891. Students can graduate from the 56-credit MSN Education program in as soon as 15 months. Courses are offered in modules lasting four weeks, and new classes start every month. Scholarships are available to help fund an educational investment in the future. While education takes place online, IU likes to emphasize the personal attention professors give to each person enrolled.
23. South University
Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Educator
Savannah, GA
Tuition and Fees: $13,500/yr
What started out as one campus in 1899 has today evolved into 8 campuses and 3 off-campus instructional sites. That’s a testament to a model that works, and South University has figured out how to pair success with affordability. It offers a robust range of nursing programs spanning the undergraduate level up through a DNP. Its MSN with a Nurse Educator Specialization totals 54 quarter credits, and builds on a tradition of excellence approaching two decades since the first online program was offered from the Savannah campus in 2004.
22. Herzing University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Program
Menomonee Falls, WI
Tuition and Fees: $13,030/yr
The MSN Nurse Educator program at Herzing University offers a schedule that’s maximized for convenience and optimized for quality. The program’s 36 credits are spread out in manageable eight-week sessions, with the possibility to graduate in 16 months as a full-time student, or part-time at a slower pace. New sessions start six times every year and the program also includes an onsite practicum. Admission requires a BSN degree plus an active RN license. Scholarships are available, while military veterans and their spouses are eligible to apply for a per-credit tuition reduction.
21. Central Methodist University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator
Fayette, MO
Tuition and Fees: $12,920/yr
In CMU’s Division of Health Professions, students are admitted as a cohort into the online Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator program. RNs are trained via the Internet to design, coordinate, and evaluate educational experiences for collegiate nursing students. The 34-credit program includes coursework on health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, curriculum development, and instructional strategies before a culminating practicum.
20. Southwest Baptist University
Master of Science in Nursing Education
Bolivar, MS
Tuition and Fees: $12,677/yr
Southwest Baptist University tops our list with its ultra-convenient, high quality online nurse educator program. Fully accredited by the ACEN, the Master of Science in Nursing Education blends online courses with clinical experience to develop the requisite skills for training new nurses. 100% of graduates from this 45-credit program receive NLN certification upon eligibility, and 100% of graduates find jobs in their field. Enrollment options include a three-year part-time track, a two-year full-time track, and an 18-month accelerated track.
19. Union University
MSN Education Track
Jackson, TN
Tuition: $12,608/yr
Offered through Union’s E-Campus, the MSN Education Track spans over 16 months full-time to give professional nurses the opportunity to obtain leadership in staff development, patient education, or university academia. The 41-credit online program includes coursework ranging from nursing statistics and pathophysiology to curriculum design. 380 total clinical hours are included. Applicants must have a BSN and valid licensure with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
18. Cox College
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator
Springfield, MO
Tuition and Fees: $12,290/yr
Available on-campus in Springfield or online, the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator (NE) track is designed for baccalaureate registered nurses who wish to teach nursing in higher education. With a total of 420 practicum hours, the 36-credit program combines flexible eight and 16-week sessions for easy scheduling. Nurses who work at CoxHealth can qualify for up to $1,200 per year in tuition reimbursement.
17. Texas Woman’s University
Master of Science Nursing Education
Denton, TX
Tuition and Fees: $12,176/yr
Offered in a 100% online format, the Master of Science (M.S.) Nursing Education program follows a rigorous 40-credit curriculum for RNs seeking to help with the critical nursing faculty shortage. Nurses delve into topics on health promotion, nursing research, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, curriculum design, educational technology, and learning assessment. TWU has our country’s 48th best nursing school according to the U.S. News.
16. Clarkson College
Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education
Omaha, NE
Tuition and Fees: $12,110/yr
The 39-credit online MSN program at Clarkson College is known for its high caliber and attracts students from across the nation. It can be completed full-time in eight semesters or part-time over more than 12. It includes a 135-hour practicum and holds the distinction of being ranked among the best 2018 online graduate nursing programs in the nation by US News and World Report. Students have the option for transferring in up to nine academic credits and the GRE is not required for admission.
15. Indiana Wesleyan University
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Education
Marion, IN
Tuition and Fees: $12,034/yr
As a professor at the Indiana Wesleyan University School of Nursing points out, one of the greatest characteristics of this program’s faculty is how much they care about and support their students. The MSN in Nursing Education program is 41 credits and includes 140 hours of supervised online and on-site practicums. Founded in 1920, today IWU’s nursing programs have a reputation the precedes them. In 2020 the online Family Nurse Practitioner program was ranked among the best in the nation, judged on metrics like affordability, respect, and convenience.
14. Grambling State University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator
Grambling, LA
Tuition and Fees: $11,111/yr
Rated the country’s 39th best historically black college, Grambling State University offers a full-time online Nurse Educator program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing. Over 21 months, NE students participate in online class activities and attend one class per week in Grambling. Clinical emphasis is chosen in Adult/Geriatric or Material/Child Health. Nurses must pass a teaching practicum, master’s thesis, and comprehensive exam.
13. Northeastern State University
Master of Science in Nursing Education
Tahlequah, OK
Tuition and Fees: $10,029/yr
Northeastern State University is ranked as having the 83rd best online graduate nursing programs by the U.S. News. In particular, there’s an online 32-credit Master of Science in Nursing Education available with ACEN accreditation. Rooted in evidence-based learning theories, the program has the mission of directly addressing the critical demand for nurse educators in rural Oklahoma and the Midwest.
12. University of Nevada
MSN Nurse Educator Track
Reno, NV
Tuition and Fees: $16,000/yr
The Orvis School of Nursing at UNR has been ranked the country’s 171st best graduate nursing school by the U.S. News and World Report. The MSN Nurse Educator Track is delivered online either full-time or part-time to give nurses the skills for evidence-based nursing education with ethnically diverse students. Within the 37-credit program, aspiring educators spend at least 420 clock hours teaching in a local classroom.
11. Marian University
Master of Science in Nursing Education
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition and Fees: $9,405/yr
Noted for having the 171st best graduate nursing school in the United States, Marian University provides a CCNE-accredited online MSN Nurse Educator program with online or hybrid course formats. Using a distinctive Christian worldview, the program immerses nurses in the advanced training to become nationally certified educators. Within the 38-credit curriculum, students must complete a 150-hour clinical education practicum and 225-hour academic practicum.
10. Indiana State University
Nursing Education M.S.
Terre Haute, IN
Tuition and Fees: $8,952/yr
Indiana State University has been noted by the USNWR for hosting America’s 91st best online graduate nursing programs at an affordable price. The Nursing Education M.S. program consists of 35 credits of advanced online training for nurses to design, provide, and evaluate educational offerings as university faculty. Along with ACEN accreditation, the curriculum meets NLN certification competencies for excellence.
9. The University of Texas
MSN in Nursing Education
El Paso, TX
Tuition and Fees: $8,250/yr
Aligned with the 2011 AACN Masters Essentials, the 33-credit MSN in Nursing Education program is delivered online with in-person clinical practicum. Registered nurses master the learner-centered teaching strategies required for working in academic and clinical settings of the 21st century. UTEP has been honored by the U.S. News for having the 78th best online graduate nursing programs in America.
8. The University of Texas at Tyler
Nursing Education MSN Degree
Tyler, TX
Tuition: $8,190/yr
The University of Texas at Tyler is highly regarded by the U.S. News and World Report for hosting the nation’s 9th best online graduate nursing programs. The Nursing Education MSN Degree is devoted to transforming practicing RNs into competent teachers in universities, community colleges, clinical facilities, and government agencies. Nurses complete 36 credits of online coursework and 112 practicum hours.
7. University of West Georgia
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Education
Carrollton, GA
Tuition and Fees: $8,160/yr
Fully accredited by the CCNE, the University of West Georgia hosts a 100% online Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Education program. The 36-credit curriculum can be completed by licensed RNs in two years full-time or three years part-time. Students qualify for loan forgiveness through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). The U.S. News recognized UWG for having the 41st best online graduate nursing degrees nationwide.
6. South Dakota State University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Specialization
Brookings, SD
Tuition and Fees: $8,152/yr
The South Dakota State University College of Nursing offers the rare combination of quality and affordability. Undergrad students have on average a 97.5% pass rate on the NCLEX. As of 2020 the College of Nursing reports a 100% job placement rate and a 100% pass rate for students attempting an APRN exam. The MSN Nurse Educator program offers two scheduling options: a two-year full-time curriculum and a three-year part-time curriculum. All classes are offered online except three on-site practicas that total 180 hours.
5. Prairie View A&M University
Master of Science (MSN) Nurse Education
Prairie View, TX
Tuition and Fees: $7,818/yr
Delivered online with two flexible practicum courses, the Master of Science (MSN) Nurse Education program at Prairie View A&M prepares Texas registered nurses to teach patients, families, nursing students, clinical staff, and health consumers. The 45-credit program builds both pedagogical and clinical competency for pursuing NLN certification. MSN nurses can also earn a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Education.
4. Missouri State University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Options
Springfield, MO
Tuition and Fees: $7,786/yr
Given approval by the CCNE, the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator program at Missouri State is designed for BSN-level registered nurses wishing to achieve advanced practice. The 43-credit program blends online coursework, clinical rotation hours, and thesis research. Full-time students will spend five semesters delving into topics like health policy, epidemiology, nursing science, education technology, curriculum development, and population health.
3. Angelo State University
MSN Nurse Educator
San Angelo, TX
Tuition and Fees: $7,220/yr
In Angelo State’s Department of Nursing, an online MSN Nurse Educator program is delivered via Blackboard to develop expertise in teaching future healthcare providers. Baccalaureate-level nurses must follow a challenging 39-credit curriculum, complete practicum in any Texas city, and pass a culminating oral comprehensive exam. According to the USNWR, this is America’s 56th best online graduate nursing program.
2. Winston-Salem State University
Master of Science in Nursing, Advanced Nurse Educators
Winston-Salem, NC
Tuition and Fees: $3,830/yr
Within the School of Health Sciences, WSSU houses a 39-credit online Master of Science in Nursing program for Advanced Nurse Educators (ANE). Featuring 240 supervised hours of practicum, the program gives nurses the pedagogical ability to provide clinical education in undergraduate nursing. This is another of the online nurse educator programs satisfying NLN qualifications for certification.
1. University of Wyoming
Master of Science Nurse Educator
Laramie, WY
Tuition and Fees: $3,552/yr
Featuring 36 credit hours, the Online Master of Science Nurse Educator program is delivered through the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing with CCNE accreditation. Nurses make just one trip to Laramie for an initial fall orientation. Starting in 2017, there will be a three-year M.S. Nurse Leader program with an Optional Nurse Educator Emphasis for preparing transformational leaders in academia.
Online nurse educator programs are the perfect way to advance into a lucrative teaching position without disrupting your clinical career. The BLS reports that nursing instructors bring home a high average yearly salary of $70,650. It’s clear that nurse educator programs are worth the investment, but you’ll need to choose carefully for maximum ROI. Picking any of these affordable nurse educator schools could help you move into rewarding faculty jobs for tuition under $8,000 annually.
Sources:
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-faculty-shortage
http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/career/150/nurse_educator
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251072.htm
http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing