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Online Master of Science in Nursing: Tuition

Cost per credit hour
  • $695 per graduate credit hour (applies to the Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education and Nurse Management & Executive Leadership specializations). We also offer a per-credit-hour rate of $625 to students employed by our educational partners. Request more information to find out if you qualify.

  • $955 per graduate credit hour (applies to the FNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations) 
Total number of credit hours36–42 graduate credit hours (depending on your MSN specialization) 
Total estimated cost, minus fees$25,020–$40,110*
Additional fees 
  • Registration Fee: $115 (charged once per 15-week semester for the nonclinical tracks and once per 16-week semester for the nurse practitioner (NP) tracks) 
  • Library Fee: $40 (charged once per 15-week semester for the nonclinical tracks and once per 16-week semester for the NP tracks) 
  • Learning Technology Fee: $200 (applies to NU 554, 611 and 612 within the Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education and Nurse Management & Executive Leadership specializations) 
  • Lab fee: $1,300 (applies to NU 552, 573 and 621 within the FNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations) 

  • Clinical Oversight Fee:
    • $200 (applies to NU 611, 612, 619, 672, 673, 680, 681, 690 and 691)$1,000 (applies to NU 606 and 607 within the FNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations)

    • $2,000 (applies to NU 561, 571, 572, 573 and 621 within the FNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations)
Other budgeting costsThis program’s estimated tuition doesn’t include textbooks, supplies, personal expenses and other fees that you might incur. 
*This is an estimate of total tuition based on the current school year cost per credit and is subject to change.

Military Students

We honor the dedication and service of those in the military and are committed to helping them succeed.

Ranked as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans in the North by U.S. News & World Report, Sacred Heart University is one of the first institutions in Connecticut to become a Yellow Ribbon School and is also approved for both the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GI Bills.

To find out if you are eligible to receive military education benefits, please feel free to request more information or call us at 877-791-7181.

What Financial Aid Is Available?

Pursuing a graduate degree requires a commitment of both time and money. At Sacred Heart University, we are committed to helping you explore all of the financial aid options that are available to you to cover the MSN program cost.

Learn more about what we can do to help make this process easier for you.

Financial Aid Options

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 877-791-7181.

Beyond the per-credit tuition of $955, students in Sacred Heart’s online MSN: FNP program should budget for several program-specific fees: a $1,300 lab fee applied to three core clinical courses (NU 552, 573, and 621), clinical oversight fees ranging from $200 to $2,000 per applicable course, a $115 registration fee per 16-week semester, and a $40 library fee per semester. These fees are not included in the standard tuition estimate and can affect total cost of attendance.

Yes. As a graduate nursing student, you may be eligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Students may also reach out to their financial aid counselor to explore other alternative loan options. Additional options worth exploring include the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, which targets students committed to working in underserved communities after graduation, and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship, both of which are specifically designed for NP students. Many hospital systems and health networks also offer employer tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing advanced practice credentials — contact your HR department to confirm your eligibility before enrolling.

Many health systems offer tuition reimbursement for registered nurses pursuing NP credentials, and Sacred Heart’s FNP program is structured to accommodate working nurses. Reimbursement policies vary by employer — typical caps range from $5,250 to $10,000 per year, though some health systems and VA facilities cover significantly more. Students using third-party employer funding should confirm the program’s start date, billing schedule, and required paperwork with both their HR department and SHU’s financial aid office before enrolling.

At $955 per credit hour for 42 credit hours, Sacred Heart’s online MSN: FNP program totals approximately $40,110 in tuition. For context, online FNP programs at comparable private universities typically range from $35,000 to $65,000 in total tuition. The CCNE accreditation, preparation for both ANCC and AANPCB certification exams, and the program’s strong employer recognition in the Northeast can offset the difference relative to lower-cost state university alternatives.

At Sacred Heart, tuition for online programs is billed on a per-semester basis rather than as a single lump sum. Students pay for the courses they are enrolled in each 16-week semester, which helps distribute costs over the 2.5-year program. Some students coordinate semester billing with employer reimbursement cycles or FAFSA awards to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Contact SHU’s student financial services office for specifics on payment due dates and installment plan availability.