Is MSN worth it?

It depends on what you want to do

If you want to teach nursing - you'll need the MSN

If you want to do advanced practice nursing - you'll need the MSN

Something else...administration maybe, then maybe another masters, such as an MBA would be okay.

I think when adults go back to school for advanced degrees it's more about personal pride than anything else. But maybe that's me. I also want to obtain MSN so that in 20 years or so I can teach (paycut and all!). I'd be doing it for ME and no one else.

The way I see it, the money you spend on your education will get spent one way or another. If you enjoy learning and want that sense of accomplishment, why not spend the money on yourself via your education? Shoot, I spend $250/month on my nails and waxing. Some women spend that much on their hair. Others go out to eat five times a week. Or have a closet full of designer scrubs. Or have expensive cars. Or go on exotic vacations.

I was the only person in my nursing school class who paid the full amount for her education, and I was darn proud to do it.

A very simple fact is this: A Masters Degree does not necessarily equal higher pay. My husband has no college education at all, received his medical training in the military (he does technological testing), and makes three times what I do as an RN with 6 years experience. It doesn't matter HOW long I go to school I will never earn what he does. But I didn't go into nursing for the money, either.

So the short answer is... if you're looking for a higher paycheck, then no, the MSN is probably not worth it. But if you are furthering your education because you want to and/or need it for a job you're interested in, then it is absolutely worth the cost.

Some universities offer an MSN/MBA nurse executive program. This way you have the best of both worlds. I think as long as you are able to earna masters you should. Education is never a waste.