Is a master’s degree in nursing worth it?
Discover how an MSN can boost earning potential, expand career options, and open doors to leadership roles. Explore the benefits, costs, and whether it's the right move for you.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés , Edited by: Rebecca Munday, Reviewed by: Elizabeth Poon
Published: October 8, 2025
Are you thinking about earning a master's degree in nursing (MSN)? You're not alone. Many nurses wonder if this investment of time, money, and energy is worth it. Let's break down the real value of an MSN, including the cost of the degree, your salary potential, and career benefits.
An MSN may be worthwhile if you're seeking a leadership role, specialization, or more autonomy in your career. Find out if this advanced degree aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Benefits of a master's degree in nursing
With an MSN degree, you can:
- Build advanced skills for patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Pursue leadership, education, and informatics roles.
- Increase your earning potential.
- Enter one of the fastest-growing fields.
- Qualify for advanced practice nursing licensure and certification.
“I feel that my coworkers respect me, the providers I work alongside also do, as does my supervising physician. My nursing team relies on me for that provider level of expertise and guidance."
Elizabeth M. Clarke, MSN, FNP, RN, MSSW
How much does a master's degree in nursing cost?
Master's programs in nursing on edX ranged from $43,000–$125,000 as of July 2024.
It's important to note that the cost of tuition can vary based on:
- Institution type (public or private)
- Residency status (in-state or out-of-state)
- Program format (online or on-campus)
- Chosen MSN specialization (nurse informaticist, family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, etc.)
Additional costs not covered by tuition may include:
- Program-specific fees
- Textbooks, a computer, and study materials
- Clinical practice supplies
- Transportation to clinical sites
- Licensure and certification exams
- Living expenses (including childcare, if needed)
- Potential loss of income if you need to work part time
Financial aid options, such as grants, scholarships, employer assistance, and federal student loans, can help offset these costs.
Create a budget that considers all of these factors and adjust it according to the length of your program and your circumstances to determine the total budget required to pay for your MSN degree.
How much can nurses with a master's degree in nursing make?
Nurses with a master's often earn significantly more than nurses who only have a bachelor's in nursing (BSN). Other factors, such as location and specialization, can also influence salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2024, RNs earned a median annual wage of $93,600.
By contrast, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, midwives, and nurse educators, earned a median annual wage of $132,050 in 2024. The BLS includes nurse anesthetists in this grouping. However, as of 2025, you must earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to become a certified nurse anesthetist (CNA).
The typical MSN program can take up to three years to complete, depending on the required number of credits and whether you are a full- or part-time student. The cost of education can range from $43,000–$125,000, depending on the program. However, APRNs who must have an MSN to practice earn significantly more than RNs. This may make the expense of a graduate program worth it.
Are graduates of a master's degree in nursing program in demand?
The BLS reports that APRNs are in much higher demand than most professionals. The Bureau projects that positions for these professionals will grow by 35% between 2024 and 2034, adding 134,000 new roles across the decade.
By comparison, the projected growth rate across all occupations is 3%
The primary care physician shortage, an aging population, the high prevalence of chronic diseases, and a growing interest in preventive care should all contribute to this heightened demand.
APRNs work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and private practices, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. They can apply for diverse, in-demand roles, such as gerontology nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse administrator, and nurse informaticist.