Dallas doesn't do anything small: the Metroplex hosts one of the nation's busiest airports, a Fortune-500 corridor that outpaces Silicon Valley in corporate relocations, and 26 major hospitals within a 45-mile loop of downtown. All that growth fuels a constant hunt for advanced-practice nurses who can manage population health, lead magnet-unit quality projects, and fill primary-care gaps in booming suburbs like Frisco and McKinney. Yet many Texas RNs hesitate to pursue a master's because tuition can hit six figures. The good news? North Texas is also home to several budget-friendly, CCNE-accredited online MSN options that keep costs low while letting you complete clinicals close to home. Whether you're a Parkland night-shift RN looking to move into management or a travel nurse who wants an FNP credential without crushing debt, these programs deliver value without sacrificing rigor.

Cost is only half the equation: Dallas-Fort Worth RN salaries averaged $46.04 per hour in 2025, while nurse practitioners earned a mean of $129,180 annually, plenty of earning power to pay back a sensibly priced degree. Let's dive into the most affordable pathways.

2025 Most Affordable Online MSN Programs Near Dallas, Texas

#1

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX - Public 4-Year - uta.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Texas at Arlington's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) delivers a comprehensive 46-credit curriculum designed for working nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This 32-36 month program prepares professionals to provide holistic primary care across diverse patient populations. Applicants must hold an active RN license and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. With multiple annual start dates, the program offers exceptional flexibility for healthcare professionals. Entrance exam requirements typically include the GRE. Students benefit from evidence-based training, clinical experiences, and CCNE accreditation. The affordable $30,084 total tuition makes this program accessible for nurses advancing their career trajectory.

  • Online MSN-FNP program
  • 46 total credit hours
  • Total tuition $30,084
  • 32-36 months duration
  • Multiple start dates
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • Active RN license required
  • Clinical experiences included
  • CCNE accredited program

Master's - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

UTA's online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN equips advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for patients from adolescence through end-of-life. This program emphasizes health promotion, illness prevention, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Graduates develop skills to manage complex health conditions and prepare for national certification exams. The curriculum focuses on elder services and advanced practice nursing, providing robust training in comprehensive adult healthcare. Students can expect flexible online learning with opportunities to develop specialized clinical competencies. Entrance exam requirements may include the GRE, with potential waivers for exceptional professional experience.

  • Online graduate nursing program
  • Prepares for national certification
  • Advanced practice nursing focus
  • Health promotion specialization
  • Comprehensive adult healthcare training

Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Texas at Arlington's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares healthcare professionals to manage complex patient needs from age 18 through adulthood. This specialized online master's degree focuses on health restoration and advanced management of acute and chronic conditions. Students develop critical skills for caring for physiologically unstable patients in high-intensity medical environments. The program prepares graduates for national certification and recognition by the Texas Board of Nursing. Potential entrance exams include the GRE, with comprehensive training in advanced practice nursing techniques and clinical interventions.

  • Online and classroom study options
  • Prepares for national certification
  • Advanced practice nursing focus
  • Manages complex patient health needs
  • Recognized by Texas Board of Nursing

Master's - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

UTA's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN addresses the growing demand for mental health professionals. This comprehensive program prepares practitioners to provide advanced psychiatric care across all age groups through evidence-based psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions. Graduates become eligible for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification, enabling diverse clinical practice in psychiatric institutions, community facilities, and forensic organizations. The curriculum emphasizes lifespan mental health management, with potential GRE requirements and a focus on innovative, patient-centered care strategies.

  • Fully online graduate program
  • ANCC board certification eligible
  • Lifespan population focus
  • Multiple clinical practice settings
  • Evidence-based practice training

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Administration

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Science in Nursing Administration at UTA empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This online program develops advanced management skills, strategic thinking, and comprehensive healthcare system knowledge. Completed in 19-22 months with a competitive $17,800 tuition, students gain expertise in organizational leadership, financial management, and evidence-based practices. Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles like Chief Nursing Officer and Nurse Administrator. The CCNE-accredited program offers multiple annual start dates, practicum experiences, and potential GRE requirements, making it an accessible pathway for nursing professionals seeking leadership advancement.

  • Online flexible format
  • 19-22 months program length
  • Total tuition $17,800
  • CCNE accredited program
  • 36 total credit hours
  • Leadership career preparation
  • Advanced healthcare management theory
  • Practicum experience included
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • Unconditional admission for 3.0+ GPA

Master's - MSN in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

UTA's MSN in Health Informatics represents a cutting-edge program for nursing professionals seeking technological innovation in healthcare. Students develop advanced skills in data analytics, electronic health records, and clinical decision support systems. The online curriculum prepares nurses for leadership roles in health informatics, focusing on transforming patient care through technology. Graduates can pursue Informatics Nursing Certification and potentially advance to doctoral studies. The program emphasizes emerging fields like artificial intelligence, population health, and health equity strategic planning. Potential entrance exams include the GRE, with a competitive tuition structure supporting career progression.

  • Online graduate nursing program
  • Leadership in health informatics
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • National certification preparation
  • Technology-focused curriculum
  • Data analytics skill development
  • Career paths in clinical informatics
  • EHR documentation expertise
  • Doctoral program progression
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#2

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University's Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive online pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. With flexible learning formats and rigorous academic standards, students develop specialized skills in comprehensive patient care across all life stages. The program emphasizes health promotion and primary care, requiring a current RN license and minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students should complete a basic statistics course. With nationally-accredited curriculum and fall/spring admission deadlines, this program offers provisional admission opportunities and prepares graduates for expanded clinical roles.

  • Online and hybrid program options
  • Two delivery method formats
  • Spans patient lifespan care
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Fall deadline: February 15
  • Spring deadline: September 15
  • Current RN license needed
  • Requires basic statistics course
  • Nationally-accredited nursing program
  • Provisional admission possible

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care)

Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Master's program uniquely prepares advanced nursing professionals in pediatric healthcare delivery. Exclusively available to Texas residents, this hybrid program develops expert skills in managing acute and chronic pediatric conditions through integrated physiological and behavioral health theories. Requiring an unencumbered RN license, BSN, and preferably one year of pediatric clinical experience, students engage in remote learning and state-specific clinical placements. The program focuses on comprehensive child and adolescent healthcare management with advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • Texas residents only
  • Pediatric primary care focus
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • One year pediatric experience preferred
  • Remote and clinical learning
  • Advanced pediatric health management

Master's - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a specialized hybrid learning experience for registered nurses targeting comprehensive adult and elderly healthcare. Designed for professionals seeking advanced practice, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and current unencumbered nursing license. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based protocols for complex health condition management across adult age ranges. With flexible admission options including full-time summer and part-time fall/spring tracks, students develop critical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and patient care strategies specific to adult and geriatric populations.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • Texas residents only
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Summer full-time admission
  • Fall/Spring part-time option
  • Requires basic statistics course
  • Clinical practice in Texas

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program addresses critical mental health professional shortages through a comprehensive 100% online master's curriculum. Spanning 45 credit hours with 780 clinical practicum hours, the program prepares advanced practice nurses for specialized psychiatric interventions. Requiring a BSN, current RN license, and preferably 12 months behavioral health experience, students gain extensive skills in medication management and psychotherapeutic techniques. Graduates become eligible for ANCC certification, with evening synchronized classes and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, making it an ideal pathway for nurses seeking mental health specialization.

  • 100% online program
  • 45 total credit hours
  • 780 clinical practicum hours
  • 12 months psychiatric nursing experience required
  • ANCC certification exam eligibility
  • Currently limited to Texas residents
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Evening synchronized classes
  • Mental health professional shortage focus

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing program offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive women's healthcare. The two-year curriculum combines online coursework with brief on-campus intensive sessions, requiring 780 direct patient care clinical hours. Focusing on preventive care, reproductive health, and specialized screenings, the program maintains competitive admission standards with a 3.0 GPA requirement. CCNE-accredited and limited to Texas residents, students benefit from synchronous and asynchronous courses, evidence-based practice projects, and a rigorous educational approach to women's health specialization.

  • Hybrid online/on-campus program
  • 780 clinical practice hours
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Two-year full-time format
  • Requires Texas nursing license
  • Competitive admission process
  • Synchronous and asynchronous courses
  • Two-day campus skills intensive
  • Evidence-based practice project
  • Limited to Texas residents
Show 4 More Programs ˅
#3

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX - Private 4-year - txwes.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas Wesleyan University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a dynamic two-year educational pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical specialization. Spanning 45 credit hours and requiring 765 clinical training hours, the curriculum focuses on holistic, relationship-centered care approaches. Students benefit from comprehensive online coursework that prepares them for certification exams and primary care practice management. The program likely remains affordable due to its efficient online format, United Methodist institutional support, and military-friendly status. Prospective students should note the priority application deadline of May 15 and final application deadline of June 15, with entrance exam requirements potentially including the GRE.

  • Online MSN-FNP program
  • Two-year completion timeline
  • 45 credit hours total
  • 765 clinical hours required
  • Priority application deadline: May 15
  • Final application deadline: June 15
  • Holistic care approach
  • Prepares for certification exam
  • Advanced nursing practice courses
  • Practice management training
#4

University of North Texas Health Science Center

Fort Worth, TX - Public 4-Year - unthsc.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of North Texas Health Science Center's Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a strategic solution to Texas' mental health workforce challenges. Utilizing a hybrid learning format, students complete 47 credit hours across six semesters, experiencing comprehensive training in psychopharmacology and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. The program emphasizes holistic care preparation, enabling graduates to serve diverse populations in various clinical settings. With opportunities for specialized training and a focus on addressing complex mental health needs, students benefit from flexible educational pathways. Clinical placement opportunities and a diverse curriculum ensure graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to mental healthcare. Entrance exam requirements may apply; prospective students should verify specific admission criteria.

  • 47 total credit hours
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Six semesters full-time option
  • Diverse clinical settings training
  • Scholarships and financial support
  • Focus on special populations
  • Evidence-based practice curriculum
  • Holistic admissions approach
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The Dallas Value Proposition: Why Choose a Budget-Friendly Online MSN?

  • Stretch your paycheck: Even at $105 K median RN pay, graduate tuition above $800/credit can eat a salary fast. Programs in this guide stay well below the national average of $730/credit.
  • Keep local clinical roots: Public universities partner with Baylor Scott & White, Methodist Health, and Texas Health Resources for practicum slots—no pricey hotel rotations in another state.
  • Speed to leadership: Many tracks finish in five semesters, fast-tracking promotions at magnet hospitals that prefer master's-prepared charge RNs.
  • Built-in certification prep: Affordable doesn't mean bare-bones—curricula align with ANCC and AANP blueprints so you walk into boards confident.

For nurses curious about bridge formats, see RN to MSN Programs for alternate pathways.

Cost & Program Snapshot

Below are typical in-state tuition rates and popular concentrations for the most wallet-friendly choices within roughly 300 miles of Dallas. Always confirm the latest figures.

UniversityBase Tuition (In-State)CreditsEstimated TotalCommon TracksAccreditation
University of Texas at Arlington Online MSN$495/credit36≈ $17,800Nursing Administration, Education, FNPCCNE
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center MSN$367/credit46≈ $16,900FNP, PMHNP, Nursing InformaticsCCNE
University of Texas at Tyler MSN$345/credit37≈ $12,800Nursing Education, AdministrationCCNE
Lamar University MSN$363/credit37≈ $13,400Nursing Education, FNPCCNE
West Texas A&M University MSN (online)$387/credit39≈ $15,100Comprehensive MSN, Family Nurse PractitionerCCNE

All totals exclude application and proctoring fees and reflect Texas-resident pricing (June 2025).

Coursework Highlights & Clinical Logistics

Affordable doesn't equal easy—expect a rigorous sequence:

  • Core 12–15 credits in Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Diagnostics
  • Role-specific courses like Population Health Informatics (MSN Informatics) or Curriculum Design (MSN Education)
  • Preceptor hours: 500–700, typically split among Baylor Scott & White sites, VA North Texas, or community clinics in Collin and Denton counties
  • Virtual simulation labs via platforms such as iHuman to hone advanced assessment skills before direct-patient experiences

If your focus is the FNP route, consult Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas for statewide board-exam pass rates.

Eligibility & Admission Checklist

Each school tweaks requirements, but common essentials include:

  • Active, unencumbered Texas RN license
  • BSN with 3.0 GPA or higher (lower GPAs may require GRE)
  • Undergraduate statistics course (grade C or better)
  • Two professional references (one supervisor, one MSN-prepared RN)
  • Résumé detailing one year of recent clinical experience
  • Statement of professional goals (500 words)
  • Background check & immunizations per Texas Board of Nursing standards

Double-check each program's status in Nursing School Accreditation before committing.

Roles & Credentials You Can Earn

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C or FNP-BC) serving Dallas-area urgent-care chains like CareNow
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP supporting tele-psychiatry startups in Plano
  • Clinical Nurse Leader overseeing quality metrics at Parkland Health
  • Nurse Educator teaching LVN-to-RN students at Dallas College
  • Nursing Informatics Specialist integrating Epic upgrades across Texas Health hospitals

For broader career planning, review MSN Programs to compare track options nationwide.

Earnings & Job Demand Across North Texas

Competitive wages make an affordable degree even sweeter.

RoleDallas-Fort Worth Avg. Salary (2025)Texas Avg.U.S. Avg.
Registered Nurse$95,550$74,540$93,590
Nurse Practitioner$129,180$125,040$132,840

RN figure extrapolated from Indeed and BLS data; NP mean from Texas Workforce salary survey

Making Graduate School Pay Off

  • Work-Study Agreements: Baylor Scott & White pays $5,000 per semester for employees pursuing a master's in exchange for a two-year commitment.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Dallas-based nonprofit hospitals qualify—combine with low tuition to wipe out balances faster.
  • HRSA Nurse Corps Repayment: Up to 85 % of loans forgiven for working in shortage facilities across rural North Texas.
  • Scholarships & Grants: Use Scholarships & Grants Available to Nursing Students and filter "graduate" + "Texas."
  • Military & VA Benefits: UT Arlington discounts tuition for veterans stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.

Time-Management Hacks for Busy DFW Nurses

  1. Leverage four-day workweeks: Many Metroplex hospitals offer 3 × 12s—block the fourth day strictly for coursework.
  2. Commute School: Turn I-30 traffic into podcast lecture time via Blackboard mobile.
  3. Study Teams: Use Microsoft Teams groups inside UT Tyler's Canvas to divvy up research briefs.
  4. Hotel-to-Home Clinicals: Texas Tech's distance model lets you precept at a clinic in your own county, cutting travel costs.

Accreditation & Quality Safeguards

CCNE or ACEN approval ensures:

  • Faculty hold terminal degrees
  • Simulation meets BON clinical-hour ratios
  • Graduates are board-eligible nationwide

Never enroll before verifying accreditation on official lists referenced in Nursing School Accreditation.

Professional Networking in the Metroplex

  • Dallas Advanced Practice Nurse Association (DAPNA) meets monthly in Uptown—students welcome.
  • Texas Nurses Association District 4 offers leadership workshops and CE credits.
  • Health Wildcatters Accelerator invites nurse-innovators to pitch health-tech prototypes each fall.
  • Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (TONL) hosts an annual summit in Irving—discounts for student members.

Five-Step Decision Checklist

  1. Under $400/credit? Confirm your exact tuition after any university fees.
  2. Clinical Convenience: Will the school approve preceptors at a facility within 45 minutes of your home?
  3. Board Pass Rates: Target > 92 % first-time success for your specialty.
  4. Technology Fit: Asynchronous vs. synchronous—decide what matches your learning style.
  5. Career ROI: Calculate tuition vs. projected salary bump using the table above.

Advance Your Career—Not Your Debt

Yesterday, dallas-area employers need master's-prepared nurses, but you don't have to mortgage your future to answer the call. By choosing a fast, low-cost, online MSN, you'll gain the advanced clinical, leadership, or educational skills North Texas hospitals crave, while keeping monthly loan payments manageable. Compare the ranked schools, attend a virtual open house, and map your prerequisite timeline today. In less than two years, you could be sitting for boards, negotiating a six-figure salary, and leading change across the Metroplex—without crippling debt.

Sources

  • Indeed. Registered Nurse Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, June 2025.
  • NursePractitionerLicense.com. Texas Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide, 2025.
  • Nurse.org. Cheap, Fast, Online MSN Programs, 2025.
  • U.S. News & World Report. Most Affordable Online Graduate Nursing Programs, 2025.
  • Baylor Scott & White Health. Employee Tuition Assistance Program, 2025.